Officials continued to issue warnings about dangerous surf conditions Wednesday amid a heat wave that has sent droves of Southland residents to the seaside in search of a cool breeze.
The warnings come after Los Angeles County lifeguards announced that nearly 2,000 people were rescued from the ocean last weekend.
A large south swell from Hurricane Genevieve was sending large waves ashore while causing potentially deadly rip currents for some area beaches, according to the National Weather Service, which also cited Wednesday’s full moon as a factor in the powerful surf conditions.
The rip current risk was high on Wednesday, with wave heights between 5 and 7 feet in most areas, but as high as 9 feet at spots like Newport Beach in Orange County, according to the NWS, which issued the following advisories for area beaches:
— A high surf advisory from 5 p.m. Wednesday through 5 p.m. Saturday.
— A beach hazards statement through Saturday afternoon; and
— A coastal flood advisory Wednesday evening through 3 a.m. Saturday.
In addition to 1,950 ocean rescues, lifeguards also responded to 71,274 “preventative actions” and rendered medical aid to 517 people last weekend, prompting lifeguards to advise extreme caution.
“With a heat advisory continuing across the Southland and a southern hemisphere swell expected to keep surf elevated throughout the week, we encourage everyone to take proper precaution, and talk to a lifeguard about conditions before entering the water,” lifeguards advised on social media.
Officials in Malibu on Wednesday warned of an increased risk of drowning, especially for inexperienced swimmers.
“Rip currents can pull swimmers and surfers out to sea,” city officials warned. “Powerful waves can wash people off beaches and rocks and capsize small boats near shore. Other hazards include sneaker waves, beach erosion and debris in the water.”
Sneaker waves are large, powerful waves that seem to appear out of nowhere compared to the prevailing conditions.
Officials offered the following advice:
— Stay out of the water if possible;
— Enter the water near occupied Lifeguard towers;
— Check with Lifeguards about current ocean conditions before entering the water; and .
— Never let children play in or near the water without close adult supervision.