LOS ANGELES, CA — Beachgoers, swimmers, and surfers are being issued a stern warning this week as the National Weather Service (NWS) forecasts potentially deadly rip currents and high surf along the Los Angeles County coastline, including the beaches of Malibu.
The hazardous conditions are expected to begin Tuesday morning and persist through Thursday evening, making entering the water extremely dangerous.
Key Hazards: 7-Foot Waves and Treacherous Currents
A beach hazards statement issued by the NWS details a significant increase in ocean energy, driven by a southern swell.
- Massive Surf: Waves as large as 7 feet are expected to pound the shore.
- Target Areas: South-facing beaches (such as Malibu Surfrider Beach and Zuma Beach) will bear the brunt of the largest waves.
- Island Impact: Hazardous surf conditions are also forecast to impact Catalina and Santa Barbara islands.
“There is an increased risk of ocean drowning,” the NWS statement reads. “Rip currents can pull swimmers and surfers out to sea. Waves can wash people off beaches and rocks, and capsize small boats near shore.”
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Critical Safety Guidelines from Officials
The City of Malibu and local lifeguards are urging extreme caution for anyone planning to visit the coast over the next few days. If you do go to the beach, authorities insist you follow these rules:
- Stay Out of the Water: Avoid swimming, bodyboarding, and surfing during peak hazard hours unless you are highly experienced, and even then, exercise extreme caution.
- Stay Off the Rocks and Jetties: Large, unpredictable waves can easily sweep a person off coastal structures into turbulent water.
- Never Turn Your Back on the Ocean: “Sneaker waves” can suddenly surge much further up the beach than normal, pulling unsuspecting beachgoers into the surf.
- Stick to Lifeguard Towers: If you must go near the water, the City of Malibu advises staying strictly within sight of an open, staffed lifeguard tower.
What to Do If Caught in a Rip Current
If you ignore warnings and find yourself pulled out to sea by a rip current, do not panic or try to swim directly back to shore against the current. This will exhaust you and increase the risk of drowning. Instead:
- Swim parallel to the shoreline until you break free of the current’s pull.
- Once out of the current, swim at an angle back to the beach.
- If you cannot escape, float or tread water, face the shore, and wave your arms or yell for help.
Are you canceling your beach plans this week due to the high surf warning? Let us know your thoughts and safety updates in the comments below!
