Amid a historic heatwave, many in Southern California may flock to the beach to cool off, but weather officials are cautioning beachgoers to beware of high surf and rip currents this weekend.
According to the National Weather Service, there will be strong rip currents and long-shore currents at beaches from Ventura County to Los Angeles County through Sunday evening, and waves could reach as high as six feet.
A Beach Hazards Statement put out by NWS indicates that south and southwest facing beaches will likely see the highest surf.
Swimmers are advised to stay near occupied lifeguard towers and stay away from rock jetties.
“There is an increased risk of ocean drowning,” weather officials said. “Rip currents can pull swimmers and surfers out to sea, and waves can wash people off beaches and rocks [as well as] capsize small boats near shore.”
KTLA 5’s Omar Lewis spoke to beachgoers in Manhattan Beach on Saturday morning, and they seemed to agree with weather officials’ advice.
“There are definitely rip currents out there…if you are not a water person, definitely be cautious of the rip currents because you will get sucked out,” said surfer Dipan Desai.
“I think it’s safer for [my kids] to have a pool day today,” another surfer, Eric Mizufuka, told Lewis.
The Beach Hazards Statement comes as SoCal gets scorched by a historic heatwave; Friday’s high of 124 degrees in Palm Springs broke a record, and both Palmdale (113 degrees) and Woodland Hills (106 degrees) tied their records for hottest days.
In addition, multiple small wildfires have recently broken out in the Southland, including one in Simi Valley and another in Homeland, a community in Riverside County northeast of Menifee.
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