Weather Service Warns of Hazardous Beach Weather

A west-northwest swell spurred above normal surf and strong rip currents along the beaches of San Diego County today, meteorologists said.

The National Weather Service issued a beach hazards statement for local beaches through this afternoon, saying waves of 4 to 6 feet, with local sets to 7 feet, were likely, especially on exposed west-facing beaches south of Carlsbad.

A beach hazards statement means that waves will be high enough to cause danger to inexperienced swimmers and that there will be strong rip currents capable of dragging people away from shore, possibly resulting in drowning.

"Talk to a lifeguard before going into the ocean and always swim near a lifeguard," an NWS advisory said.

-- City News Service