As large waves hit Southland, beachgoers are warned to be careful
Large, powerful waves pounded the Southern California coastline Friday, causing one pier to close as officials warned beachgoers to exercise caution.
A high-surf advisory through Saturday, issued by the National Weather Service, forecasts swells of up to 10 feet, high tides and possible flooding in Los Angeles and Ventura counties.
The monstrous waves drew thrill-seeking surfers into the ocean and observers to the beaches. But officials advised those in and near the sea to be aware of waves powerful enough to topple unsuspecting people walking on the beach.
In Huntington Beach, people lined up along the shore taking pictures of the swells breaking over rocks. A storm system brewing in the central Pacific has produced the towering waves, the National Weather Service said.
Lifeguards at Zuma Beach, Santa Monica, Marina del Rey and Hermosa Beach asked inexperienced surfers not to enter the water, authorities said.
In San Diego, officials closed the Ocean Beach pier after a high tide coupled with high surf created surges of 10 to 15 feet that broke over it, said Nick Lerma, lifeguard lieutenant at the San Diego Fire and Rescue Department.
San Diego lifeguards brought in extra staff Friday to handle an increase in possible water rescues, he said. At least five people were rescued from the ocean, most of them surfers.
“In a high surf situation ... rescues can be critical,” he said. “The relative danger to people that find themselves in trouble is high.”
No damage was reported from the surf, but the strong waves caused some beach erosion, Lerma said.
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