Los Angeles County lifeguards performed nearly 2,000 rescues over a single recent weekend, an unprecedented surge attributed to a combination of blistering heat and powerful ocean swells generated by hurricanes.
Between July 24 and 26, LA County Fire Department Lifeguard division reported 1,950 ocean rescues. On Saturday alone, July 25, lifeguards conducted 1,049 rescues across the county’s 72 miles of coastline. These numbers bring the year-to-date total to 8,331 rescues. In addition to rescues, lifeguards administered 517 medical aids and performed 749 emergency vehicle responses during that same weekend. They also undertook 71,000 preventative actions, which involve lifeguards intervening in the water or educating swimmers about hazardous conditions to avert potential trouble.
Lifesavers described the conditions as “nuts” and the busiest they can recall. Captain Pono Barnes of the LA County Fire Department ocean rescue unit identified Hurricanes Genevieve and Fausto as the source of the powerful swells impacting the beaches. "All the swell is from the eastern pacific hurricanes. It seems Genevieve’s energy has arrived on our shores," Barnes stated. He further noted that while south swells are common in summer, these exceptionally large waves were directly linked to the hurricanes.
The extreme inland temperatures, which drove more people to the coast, and the warm ocean water, combined with the hurricane-generated surf, created a perfect storm for dangerous swimming conditions. "I don’t remember having a weekend like it…it’s incredible," Captain Barnes remarked.
Similar hazardous surf conditions are expected to continue. Meteorologist Chris Nunley predicted that Hurricane Genevieve would send a powerful, long-period southerly swell toward the California coast from Thursday through Saturday. This swell is anticipated to generate large breaking waves, dangerous rip currents, sneaker waves, and potential minor coastal flooding during evening high tides. "Strong rip currents will also make entering the water extremely dangerous," Nunley advised. "If you’re heading to the coast over the next few days, use extreme caution."
Lifeguards are encouraging beachgoers to visit the coast but to do so safely. They advise swimmers to check in with lifeguards at the nearest tower for current conditions and hazardous areas. "Get down to the beach, but do so safely," Captain Barnes urged. "Check in with the lifeguards to see what’s going on, they will know how the surf conditions are changing as they will be watching it all day, and they can point out hazardous spots."
Footage shared on social media has highlighted some of the dramatic rescues performed by lifeguards. The notes also mention the rescue of a 10-year-old boy at Santa Cruz beach by a 16-year-old lifeguard, which gained wider attention. However, the dangerous conditions have also led to tragedies, including two college students who died in June after being swept out to sea by a sneaker wave at Panther Beach in Santa Cruz County. Another incident involved a mother and daughter who were seriously injured by a sneaker wave at Baker Beach in San Francisco shortly after.