Big waves pounded the shoreline at Daytona Beach on Wednesday, creating dangerous conditions for swimmers.

Gusting winds have built up the big surf during the heart of spring break, and with the approaching holiday, lots of locals down were at the beach as well.

Authorities said gusty winds are changing the course of the waves at the beach and helping them grow to between 4 and 6 feet, which is dangerous for swimmers.

Spring break visitor Jennifer Ricuitta said she drifted in the big waves.

"They told us in a matter of minutes they didn't see us," Ricuitta said.

Visiting college students have no idea what they're up against. Wind has whipped the ocean up and the waves are wicked.

A swimmer suffered minor injuries on Monday, and a girl attending spring break was hospitalized on Tuesday after being hit by a wave.

Lifeguards are rescuing swimmers every few minutes.

"Rip tides are pulling really strong and the current isn't pulling anybody out of it, so when they go over their heads they're not able to make it back in," Volusia County Beach Patrol member Bobby Augustynowski.

Every lifeguard tower that could be manned Wednesday was, and dozens of beach patrol officers were up and down the shore as well. But there were still stretches of beach unprotected.

All swimmers are being advised to swim near a lifeguard tower and remain in shallow water.