Beach Hazards Statement Issued: Dangerous Ocean Conditions Expected
A Beach Hazards Statement has been issued for Catalina and Santa Barbara Islands, Ventura County Beaches, Malibu Coast, and Los Angeles County Beaches, warning of dangerous rip currents, high surf, and abnormally high tides until October 8.
Residents and visitors to 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.
This statement is effective immediately, October 4, 2026, at 7:33 PM PDT, and will remain in effect until October 8, 2026, at 8:00 PM PDT. Dangerous rip currents and breaking waves are expected due to elevated surf of 3 to 6 feet. Additionally, abnormally high morning and evening tides of 6.5 to 7 feet are anticipated.
The NWS warns that there is an increased risk of ocean drowning. Rip currents can pull swimmers and surfers out to sea. Waves can wash people off beaches and rocks and capsize small boats nearshore. Moderate flooding of seawater is possible over some vulnerable low-lying coastal areas, especially around morning and evening high tides, including beach parking lots, bike paths, and harbor walkways. Moderate beach erosion is also possible.
The most susceptible areas for these conditions include Long Beach and Avalon Harbor on Tuesday and Wednesday, followed by the Malibu to Ventura coast from Wednesday through Friday.
To ensure safety, remain out of the water due to hazardous swimming conditions, or stay near occupied lifeguard towers. Rock jetties can be deadly in such conditions; stay off the rocks.
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