Southern California Swell Triggers Rescues as 20-Foot Sets Hit Orange County Beaches
Updated
Updated · OCRegister · Jun 9
Southern California Swell Triggers Rescues as 20-Foot Sets Hit Orange County Beaches
3 articles · Updated · OCRegister · Jun 9
Summary
Several rescues unfolded Tuesday along Southern California beaches as the biggest south swell in years pushed dangerous surf ashore, including one unconscious surfer off Dana Point who was pulled in and given CPR.
Orange County faced the worst conditions, with 8- to 10-foot surf in many spots, waves up to 15 feet elsewhere and 20-foot sets at the Wedge, where long lulls between sets masked sudden powerful breakers.
Hazards forced closures and preparations: San Clemente Pier shut, Aliso Beach’s west lot closed for flooding, Newport moved lifeguard towers back and built sand berms as high tides of 5.3 to 5.8 feet threaten coastal flooding.
The National Weather Service kept a beach hazard statement in effect through Thursday afternoon, warning of rip currents, waves washing people off rocks and small boats capsizing near shore.
Lifeguards said the swell should ease Thursday but remain sizable into the weekend, with stronger swells expected later this month as Southern California heads into the start of summer.