…BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT IN EFFECT FROM 5 PM PDT THIS AFTERNOON THROUGH FRIDAY AFTERNOON…
* WHAT…Large breaking waves of 15 to 20 feet with dangerous rip currents expected. Steep beaches may experience breaking waves in excess of 20 feet.
* WHERE…Coastline from Sonoma County southward through Monterey County. In particular west to northwest facing beaches… including but not limited to…Ocean Beach, Montara State Beach, and Marina State Beach.
* WHEN…From 5 PM PDT this afternoon through 2 PM PDT Friday afternoon.
* IMPACTS…Increased risk of ocean drowning. Rip currents can pull swimmers and surfers out to sea. Large breaking waves can cause injury, wash people off beaches and rocks, and capsize small boats near shore.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Please check with your local authorities on potential beach closures. Steep beaches will have a higher risk of rip current activity.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
Remain out of the water to avoid hazardous swimming and surf conditions.
Rip currents are typically more frequent and stronger in the vicinity of jetties…inlets…and piers. Swimmers caught in a rip current should swim parallel to the coast to escape the rip current before trying to swim for shore. Large breaking waves can lead to back and neck injuries. Swimmers should avoid swimming in areas of large shore break and always swim near a lifeguard. Never turn your back on the ocean!
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