Beach Hazard Warning: Dangerous Rip Currents, High Tides Expected

Residents and visitors along Catalina and Santa Barbara Islands, Ventura County Beaches, Malibu Coast, and Los Angeles County Beaches are advised to remain out of the water due to a Beach Hazards Statement issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) Los Angeles/Oxnard CA. The statement is effective from Tuesday afternoon, October 6, through Friday evening, October 9.

Dangerous rip currents and breaking waves of 3 to 6 feet are expected. Additionally, abnormally high morning and evening tides, reaching 6.5 to 7 feet, are anticipated. The NWS indicates an increased risk of ocean drowning, with rip currents capable of pulling swimmers and surfers out to sea. Waves may wash people off beaches and rocks and capsize small boats nearshore.

Moderate flooding of seawater is possible over vulnerable low-lying coastal areas, especially during morning and evening high tides. This includes potential flooding of beach parking lots, bike paths, and harbor walkways. Moderate beach erosion is also possible to likely. The most susceptible areas will be Long Beach and Avalon Harbor on Tuesday and Wednesday, then Malibu to Ventura from Wednesday through Friday.

To ensure safety, residents are instructed to remain out of the water or stay near occupied lifeguard towers. Rock jetties can be deadly under these conditions, and individuals should stay off the rocks.