Southern swell continues into weekend

NEWPORT BEACH — It looks like bodyboarders and surfers will continue to rule the waters off Newport Beach this weekend, with a southern swell kicking up the waves and pulling down water temperatures.

Surfline.com reported that waves at the Wedge at the end of the Balboa Peninsula were peaking above 12 feet Friday, with most in the 6- to 10-foot range. The surf in Newport Beach’s other hot spots, near both piers and Corona del Mar State Beach, was about half that.

The Southern California coast has met with two converging swells, one of which is dissipating over the weekend, but with the other continuing to offer up decent waves into next week, lifeguards and Surfline reported.

It’s been a mixed bag for lifeguards, who’ve seen big crowds on the sand because of the heat, but not too much action in the water because temperatures are so low, officials said.

The water dropped to about 59 degrees off Newport coast Friday, Surfline.com reported. Temperatures will remain cool into the weekend.

More than 170,000 people visited Newport coastline last weekend, with lifeguards making 99 rescues in those two days on top of more than 3,400 preventative actions. Authorities are expecting more busy days Saturday and Sunday as the summer comes to a close and students return to school. Temperatures are supposed to be in the mid-60s through next week.

— Joseph Serna