DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Spring break is underway while a lifeguard shortage continues at all Volusia County beaches.

Officials report that there are not enough available guards to staff all the posts throughout the area's beaches.

The county urges all beach goers to swim near manned lifeguard towers. The lifeguard shortage has been a problem in Daytona for years now.

The lack of manpower becomes a bigger problem each year, especially during bike week and spring break, because of larger crowds and fewer guards on duty.

Tammy Malphurs, of Volusia County Beach Safety and Ocean Rescue, says she has seen a serious decline in lifeguard applicants since she was one 26 years ago.

“When you come to the beach for the day to work, you get on that lifeguard tower. You can’t have your phone and any other kind of things that will distract you from the waters, so we think that might have something to do with it,” she said.

Malphurs says lifeguard jobs were once very sought after positions throughout Florida. But changes in the job market make it hard to fill posts.

“Kids nowadays like a job where they can come and go as they please and make their own schedule,” said Malphurs.

Volusia County is in need of 130 lifeguards to bring staffing up to normal.

Currently, the county is offering a $500 bonus to new lifeguard recruits if they are accepted into the program. New hires can expect $15 an hour.

There are some physical requirements all interested candidates should be able to pass in order to be a Volusia County lifeguard.