Los Angeles County lifeguards performed nearly 2,000 ocean rescues in a single weekend as elevated surf and strong rip currents created hazardous conditions for beachgoers. The surge in rescues occurred amid extreme heat that drove large crowds to the coast, according to the Los Angeles County Lifeguard Division.
Officials urged vigilance, advising visitors to consult with an on-duty lifeguard before entering the water. Swells generated by Hurricane Fausto and later by Tropical Cyclone Genevieve contributed to the dangerous surf along the Southern California coast. The National Weather Service warned of very strong rip and longshore currents, which were expected to persist.
Water safety experts highlighted that these conditions could be prolonged due to the strengthening El Niño pattern, which, combined with prevailing swells, may lead to elevated surf for weeks at a time. Dr. Molly O’Shea, a pediatrician with Goldfish Swim School, advised beachgoers to swim near lifeguard towers and to always inquire about current conditions.
O’Shea also stressed the importance of the "throw it, don’t go" approach for bystanders witnessing someone in distress. She recommended throwing a flotation device to a struggling swimmer and cautioned against entering the water without one, as many rip current fatalities involve bystanders who attempt rescues without proper equipment.
The National Weather Service and O’Shea offered guidance for swimmers caught in a rip current: remain calm, avoid swimming directly against the current, and instead swim parallel to the shoreline until clear of the current. From there, swimmers should allow waves to angle them back toward shore. If escape is not possible, floating or treading water and signaling for help is advised.
Thomas Gill, president of the United States Lifesaving Association, encouraged beachgoers not to underestimate their abilities in rough conditions, noting that larger surf increases the likelihood of strong rip currents. He emphasized that rescue incidents are not uncommon during periods of dangerous surf.
One notable rescue involved 16-year-old lifeguard Ryder Williams in Santa Cruz, who sprang into action to save a 10-year-old boy from powerful surf and rip currents at Seabright State Beach. The incident, which occurred on July 25, was widely recognized, with President Donald J. Trump inviting Williams and his family to the White House. The rescue occurred during a weekend marked by particularly hazardous conditions along the California coast.