High surf, dangerous rip currents draw crowds to San Diego beaches despite warnings

Forecasters warn that Hurricane Genevieve is expected to generate strong rip currents and elevated surf along the San Diego County coastline.

SAN DIEGO — Despite a high surf advisory and warnings about dangerous rip currents, surfers and swimmers continued flocking to San Diego County beaches Wednesday, taking advantage of unusually warm ocean temperatures and favorable surf conditions.

Ocean temperatures have climbed as much as seven degrees above normal during the recent heat wave, drawing larger crowds into the water. However, forecasters warned that Hurricane Genevieve is expected to generate strong rip currents and elevated surf along the San Diego County coastline.

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At Lower Trestles in north San Diego County, experienced surfers took on powerful waves, while at Sunset Cliffs, dozens of surfers entered the water despite hazardous conditions.

Lucas Zacharias, who has been surfing for more than a decade, said the waves have been enjoyable but stressed that ocean conditions should never be taken lightly.

“The waves are pretty fun right now, which is a plus,” Zacharias said.

He added that dangerous currents can quickly turn a fun session into a dangerous situation.

“Rip tides are no joke,” Zacharias said.

Former San Diego lifeguard Al Bruton said Sunset Cliffs is not an appropriate location for inexperienced surfers because of its powerful surf and rocky shoreline.

“This place here is really not for the novice,” Bruton said.

Bruton, who spent decades as a lifeguard, said he has witnessed numerous rescues at the popular surf break.

“You’ve got to have a good idea of what you’re doing,” Bruton said. “The surf here can get really big and really powerful, which is what we can expect coming, and if you don’t know what you’re doing, you can get beat up pretty good.”

Surfer Amanda Lalonde said the recent stretch of warm weather and quality surf has attracted plenty of people to local beaches.

“It’s been lovely. It’s been warm, it’s been good waves, good crowds,” Lalonde said.

She encouraged surfers to avoid entering the water alone and to let someone know where they plan to surf.

“My suggestion would be to bring a buddy with you always, let people know where you’re going, where you’re going to surf,” Lalonde said.

Lalonde also urged people to recognize when conditions exceed their skill level.

“If you feel uncomfortable, if it feels like it’s outside of your skill or your level, then just get out — there’s no shame in it,” she said.

Zacharias said remaining calm is critical if caught in a rip current.

“It can be pretty scary when you feel like you have no control and you’re just at the whim of what the ocean wants to do with you,” he said.

Instead of trying to swim directly back to shore, he advised swimming parallel to the shoreline to escape the current.

“You can’t fight it. Your immediate instinct is to swim as fast as you can. You can tire yourself out by doing that,” Zacharias said. “Really, staying relaxed is one of the biggest things.”

Officials also reminded beachgoers that portions of Sunset Cliffs, including the “South Garbage” surf break, do not have permanent lifeguard towers or stationed lifeguards. They recommend inexperienced swimmers and surfers avoid those areas altogether and advise everyone to use extra caution while the high surf advisory remains in effect.