A High Surf Advisory has been issued along the Central Coast beginning Friday morning until Monday, March 4. The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) urges Californians to use caution and follow the below ocean safety tips.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a High Surf Advisory reminding beachgoers to stay out of the ocean along the Central Coast. A High Surf Advisory warns coastal communities and beachgoers that large ocean waves and dangerous swimming and surf conditions are expected.
Advisory areas include beaches in:
- Central Coast: San Francisco, Coastal North Bay, Point Reyes, Northern and Southern Monterey Bay, Big Sur (From 10 AM Friday to 4 PM PST Saturday.)
- Ventura Coast (From 4 PM Friday to 4 AM PST Monday)
- San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara (From 4 AM Friday to 4 AM PST Monday)
An advisory is issued when large breaking waves (high surf) pose a threat to life and property within the surf zone, while a warning is issued when large breaking waves (high surf) result in an especially heightened threat to life and property.
Californians and visitors should not visit the beach and ocean in affected areas during this time.
With the high surf, there is an increased risk for rip currents and drowning. Rip currents can pull swimmers and surfers out to sea, while large breaking waves can cause injury to beachgoers onshore and capsize small boats.
Ocean Safety Tips
- When in doubt, don’t go in.
- Keep children within easy reach.
- Be aware of changing tides and weather conditions.
- Watch for unexpected large waves.
- Be aware of floating debris.
Rip currents are the number one risk at most beaches. If caught in a rip current:
- Stay calm, don’t fight the current.
- Swim out of the current parallel to the shore. Once out of the current, swim back to shore.
- If you can’t escape, float or tread water.
- Call or wave for assistance.
Stay up to date on the forecast from the National Weather Service.