Los Angeles County’s shoreline is getting pounded, and officials want you to admire the waves from a safe distance, not from the water. A high surf advisory is in effect through Wednesday night as a strong west swell sends in larger-than-normal surf, prompting warnings about powerful rip currents and surprise sets that can knock people off rocks and jetties. Lifeguards and coastal agencies are urging beachgoers to stay out of the water and away from the edge of the surf until conditions calm down.
What the National Weather Service Says
According to the National Weather Service Los Angeles/Oxnard, the advisory was issued early Tuesday and calls for breaking waves generally between 5 and 9 feet along west-facing beaches, with local sets higher. The agency has warned of an “increased risk for ocean drowning” and is advising people to “remain out of the water due to dangerous surf conditions” or stay near occupied lifeguard towers.
Where to Watch Out
The advisory specifically covers the Malibu coast and extends out to Catalina and some Santa Barbara islands, and is expected to remain in place through Wednesday night, according to the The Sacramento Bee. West-facing beaches are expected to see the largest surf, and forecasters say local higher sets can wash well above the normal shoreline.
Safety and Local Impact
Coastal officials warn that jetties and low-lying walkways are especially vulnerable during high tides and big sets, and emergency crews have already responded to multiple rescues around the region, as reported by the Los Angeles Times. For recorded beach-condition updates and maps of closures, the County maintains a beach page and a 24-hour hotline at 1-800-525-5662, per the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.
How to Stay Safe
The National Weather Service urges beachgoers to avoid entering the water, keep a safe distance from the waterline, never stand on rocks or jetties and swim only near an occupied lifeguard tower. If you get caught in a rip current, officials advise floating and signaling for help rather than trying to swim directly back to shore.
