Beach Hazard Warning Issued In Manhattan Beach

MANHATTAN BEACH, CA —LA County beaches are under a beach hazard warning through Sunday morning, the National Weather Service announced.

"Dangerous rip currents and breaking waves are expected due to elevated surf of 3 to 6 feet," the NWS said Thursday afternoon, advising swimmers and surfers to avoid going into beaches in LA County, Catalina, and Santa Barbara Islands, and south and southwest facing beaches in Ventura County. A similar warning is in place for the central coasts of San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties.

Moderate south swell and breezy westerly winds are resulting in an increased risk of drowning, the NWS said. Rip currents can pull swimmers and surfers out to sea, and large waves can wash people off beaches and rocks, and capsize small boats. Surf may increase Friday and Friday night, reaching High Surf Advisory levels.

Swimmers and surfers are advised to stay close to open lifeguard towers should they choose to go in.

In Manhattan Beach, winds are 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 35 mph expected.

Michael Wittner contributed to this story.