LAist is part of Southern California Public Radio (SCPR), a member-supported public media network. Hear our news on-air at our partner site:
If you're heading to the beach this weekend, take note of a warning issued for this weekend from the National Weather Service.Swimmers, surfers, and boaters will find "very strong currents and dangerous swimming conditions," in the waters of our SoCal beaches, according to LA Now. "Forecasters expect surf of 5 feet to 6 feet with swells as high as 8 feet at some west-facing beaches. Waves of up to 10 feet could hit some beaches in Orange and San Diego counties."
There is much danger in being caught in a rip current, and how a swimmer or surfer reacts is key. "Instead of swimming parallel to shore, which is what a swimmer caught in one of these currents should do, many will fruitlessly try to swim against it." Some rip currents "can pull a swimmer up to 400 yards from the beach," explains an LA County Fire Department lifeguard.