Beach Hazards Statement
Los Angeles and Santa Barbara counties, CA · until Tue 3:00 PM PST
Remain out of the water due to hazardous swimming conditions, or stay near occupied lifeguard towers. Rock jetties can be deadly in such conditions, stay off the rocks.
Catalina and Santa Barbara Islands
* WHAT...Dangerous rip currents and breaking waves due to elevated surf. Minor tidal overflows are possible during high tides.
* WHERE...Catalina and Santa Barbara Islands. Surf will we highest for west-northwest facing beaches.
* WHEN...Through Tuesday afternoon.
* IMPACTS...There is an increased risk of ocean drowning. Rip currents can pull swimmers and surfers out to sea. Waves can wash people off beaches and rocks, and capsize small boats nearshore.Surf will we highest for west- northwest facing beaches.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...A series of significant west- northwesterly swells are expected to produce elevated surf into next week with highest surf and greatest impacts likely peaking Saturday and potentially again Monday. Minor tidal overflows are possible in areas with largest surf, especially during high tide.
Santa Barbara County Southwestern Coast; Santa Barbara County Southeastern Coast
* WHAT...For the Beach Hazards Satement, dangerous rip currents and breaking waves due to elevated surf and minor tidal overflows are possible during high tides. For the High Surf Advisory, large breaking waves of 4 to 7 feet, locally up to 10 feet near Rincon. Dangerous rip currents expected and minor tidal overflows possible during high tides.
* WHERE...Santa Barbara County Southwestern Coast and Santa Barbara County Southeastern Coast. Surf will we highest for west- northwest facing beaches.
* WHEN...For the Beach Hazards Statement, through late tonight. For the High Surf Advisory, from 4 AM Saturday to 4 AM PST Sunday.
* IMPACTS...There is an increased risk of ocean drowning. Rip currents can pull swimmers and surfers out to sea. Waves can wash people off beaches and rocks, and capsize small boats nearshore.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...A series of significant west- northwesterly swells are expected to produce elevated surf into next week with highest surf and greatest impacts likely peaking Saturday and potentially again Monday. Minor tidal overflows are possible in areas with largest surf, especially during high tide.
What to do during a Beach Hazards Statement
- 1Stay out of the waterEven strong swimmers can be pulled away.
- 2If a rip current pulls youDon’t fight it. Swim parallel to the shore, then back in, or float and wave for help.
- 3Stay off rocks and jettiesLarge waves can sweep people away.
Watch vs. Warning
Beach Hazards Statement questions
What is a rip current?
A narrow, fast channel of water flowing away from the shore.