Strong surf, rip currents at some beaches as new swell comes ashore

If you’re kicking off your summer vacation on the coast, be warned of rip currents and other hazards this week.

A tropical storm brought big waves to the coast on Monday, with upwards of 6-foot surf along some stretches of the shore. Hazardous conditions are expected to run through Tuesday before trending downward later this week.

“We’re kicking this summer off with a busy start,” said Adam Yacenda, battalion chief for the Newport Beach Marine Safety Department. “We’re seeing waves this time of year that we haven’t seen in a few years.”

Lifeguards have been busy since Memorial Day weekend, when a summer swell hit as big crowds were flocking to the beach, with water temperatures warming and luring people into the strong surf.  That weekend, Newport Beach lifeguards made some 200 rescues.

The National Weather Service put out a beach hazard statement about the elevated surf, which started Sunday, warning caution primarily at south and southwest facing beaches along San Diego and Orange County, as well as Los Angeles coastal regions.

“A beach hazards statement is issued when threats such as rip currents and other hazards are possible,” NWS officials said. “Caution should be used when in or near the water.”

NWS meteorologist Kyle Wheeler said the waves are from tropical system Alvin, which formed last week to the south.

“It just now made it into our area,” he said. “The tropical system also produced some muggy conditions.”

Wheeler said it is the first storm of the year from the Eastern Pacific.

“The long-period swell produces those rolling waves surfers enjoy, which may tempt them to get out there more — but they need to be aware there’s rip currents,” he said.

San Clemente beaches had red flags flying on lifeguard towers to warn beachgoers of the hazards.

Yacenda said lifeguards are not yet fully staffed, so people should always swim near an open lifeguard tower and know their limits.

Rip currents pose a danger not just because they can pull a beachgoer out to sea, but they can also cause hazards if people are entering the water near rock jetties or piers.

With a long-period swell, the ocean can look flat one moment and suddenly a set will appear, Yacenda warned.

The rookie class of lifeguards starting their summer shifts are getting plenty of hands-on experience, he said.

“They’ve been doing an excellent job out there.”