Dangerous rip currents and 3- to 6-foot surf threaten Santa Monica beaches through Tuesday, Oct. 20.
The National Weather Service (NWS) updated a beach hazards statement at 12:31 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18, covering Malibu, Los Angeles County and Ventura County beaches. The statement runs through 9 a.m. Tuesday, according to the Pasadena Star-News.
"Remain out of the water due to hazardous swimming conditions, or stay near occupied lifeguard towers," the NWS said. "Rock jetties can be deadly in such conditions, stay off the rocks."
The agency warned of an increased risk of ocean drowning. Rip currents can pull swimmers and surfers out to sea, and waves can wash people off beaches and rocks and capsize small boats nearshore, the statement said. Minor beach erosion and tidal overflows may also hit south-facing beaches, particularly around Long Beach.
Small craft advisories are in effect for portions of the coastal waters, KTLA reported.
KTLA forecaster Kirk Hawkins linked the dangerous surf to swells from Hurricane Trudy, a Category 2 storm off Mexico's Pacific coast packing sustained winds of up to 105 mph. The storm is not headed for Southern California. But Hawkins said the region could see increased swells and dangerous surf over the next several days.
As of Sunday, Trudy was about 135 miles west-southwest of Manzanillo, Mexico, and moving northwest at 10 mph, according to CBS News.
LA County lifeguards faced similar conditions the weekend of July 25-26, when elevated surf and rip currents led to 1,950 ocean rescues, according to the Westside Current. Lifeguards also recorded 71,274 preventive actions and provided medical aid to 517 people that weekend.
Beachgoers should avoid entering the water during hazardous conditions and stay near staffed lifeguard towers. To report an emergency on the beach, call 911.
