Lifeguards are reporting large numbers of rescues because of frequent rip currents and strong surf conditions.

With the big crowds expected to show up on the sand for the Fourth of July, lifeguards are asking beachgoers to be extra careful when going into the water.

Newport lifeguard Cpt. Jim Turner said they’ve been busy with rescues - especially in West Newport near Orange street at lifeguard towers 56, 61, 65  and 68.
“It’s gotten very big - a wide, broad rip current,” Turner said. “People that are inexperienced were getting stuck. They were going out, having a good time, and the rip current proved stronger than they were.”
The surf pumped up to about five feet in Newport on Monday, which is enticing enough to get people out, but still dangerous enough for novice swimmers, he said.
You can tell there’s a rip current out there if the water is brown and choppy, and it looks like there’s a river going out to sea. It also creates foam in the waves.
To get out, swim sideways, or horizontal to the coastline. If you can’t get out, stay a float and wave or call for help.

On Saturday, there were 74 rescues in Newport with 2-to-3 foot surf. Sunday, lifeguards made 124 rescues as the surf got up to 4 feet.

Huntington Beach State Beach had about 500 rescues over the weekend,  according to lifeguard Ryan Gates.

Huntington Beach city lifeguard Mike Beuerlein said the rip currents were pulling hard. The two busiest towers are 2, north of the pier, and 11, south of the pier. There’s fixed rip currents — which means they are consistent and usually stay in the same spot because of a sand bar – between towers 3 and 5, 4 and 6.

He also warned people to make sure they are hydrated, and to protect their skin with hats or umbrellas. The National Weather Service on Tuesday sent out an advisory warning that the coastal areas will also be impacted by the heat wave.

And always check with a lifeguard when you get out to the water.

“Don’t go in if you don’t know how to swim, and stay close to shore,” he said. Huntington had  165 rescues over the weekend. 

“This has been the busiest start to the summer that I can remember,” said Beuerlein. “The weather has been consistetly good, the water has been warm, and the lifeguards have been busier than normal.” 

To view an interactive on how rip currents work, click here.

– Laylan Connelly

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