Riptide warnings issued for L.A., Ventura County beaches

The National Weather Service has issued a “Beach Hazards Statement” for Los Angeles and Ventura County beaches through Thursday due to dangerous offshore conditions.

KNX News’ Jon Baird reported the elevated surf and rip currents have become a problem at these beaches, including Malibu, Santa Monica, and Manhattan Beach.

“If you are looking to go to the water, looking to go swimming, to cool off from some of the hot conditions inland, always swim near an occupied lifeguard tower, check in with the lifeguard, see what their thoughts are,” Ryan Kittell, a meteorologist, said.

Mario, a surfer from Alhambra, has been caught in a rip tide before.

“It's like being in a washing machine. You kind of get, you know, tossed around, but the most important thing is to stay calm,” he said.

Want to get caught up on what's happening in SoCal every weekday afternoon? Click to follow The L.A. Local wherever you get podcasts.

A rip current won’t pull you under away, just away from the shore.

“You want to swim out of the rip, parallel to shore, along the beach and then follow breaking waves back to shore at an angle,” Dr. Greg Dusek said in official guidance from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Many beaches also have a flag system to communicate with swimmers what the water conditions are.

Follow KNX News 97.1 FM
Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok