As many Angelenos head to the beach to cool off from the persistent heat wave this week, officials are warning swimmers of the potential for strong rip currents at local beaches on Wednesday.
Forecasters with the National Weather Service said strong rip currents and dangerous swimming conditions are expected at local beaches Wednesday and Thursday with wave sets up to six feet expected along south-facing beaches.
According to the Los Angeles County Fire Department, lifeguards rescued 187 people from the waters along county beaches on Tuesday with 88 of the rescues taking place at Venice Beach alone.
More than 255,000 people visited local beaches on Tuesday, according to county fire officials.
For those who become trapped in a rip current, lifeguards recommend that swimmers stay calm and:
- Do not try to swim against the current
- Swim parallel to shore to escape the current
- When the current weakens, swim at an angle away from the current towards the shore
- Draw the attention of a lifeguard or bystander if unable to reach shore
— John Schreiber, MyNewsLA.com