Labor Day bummer: Rip currents, swells close an L.A. County beach

Strong rip currents and a heavy swell in the Pacific Ocean have created dangerous surf conditions along the Southern California coast and forced officials to temporarily close at least one beach during the Labor Day weekend.

Sacred Cove on the Palos Verdes Peninsula was to be closed through Monday evening in response to the larger-than-normal waves and powerful currents, said Lida Barillas, a spokeswoman for the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

All other beaches remained open, but county fire officials urged beachgoers to swim near lifeguard towers and avoid heading into the water after drinking alcohol.

The National Weather Service issued a beach hazard warning through Monday, predicting breakers up to 7 feet paired with “sneaker waves” that can suddenly sweep swimmers away.

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South- and southwest-facing beaches including Cabrillo, Zuma and Malibu in L.A. County and Port Hueneme and the Point in Ventura are expected to receive the brunt of the heavy surf, weather officials said.

With the holiday weekend, county lifeguards are seeing high attendance and remain “pretty busy” coping with the crowds coupled with the strong rip currents, several of which triggered rescues, Barillas said.

The increased emphasis on beach safety comes days after a swimmer died at Venice Beach after getting caught in a rip current. The man was swimming with two other people about 200 feet from the shore when they were overcome by the current, Barillas said.

For breaking news in California, follow @MattHjourno.

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