Pacifica Beachgoers Warned Of Sneaker Waves As Big Swell Arrives

PACIFICA, CA — Pacifica residents were advised to stay vigilant of "sneaker waves" as a long period ocean swell arrives in the Bay Area Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service. A Beach Hazards Statement will go into effect at 6 p.m. and last through 10 p.m. Wednesday from coastal Sonoma County to Big Sir and Monterey County.

"The largest energetic sneaker waves will arrive irregularly every few minutes to as infrequently as once every 30 minutes during otherwise deceptively calmer seas, and consequently may catch those on coastal jetties, rocks, piers, or shorelines offguard and may injure them or knock them into the cold, turbulent ocean," weather service officials wrote Tuesday.

Beachcombing is not advised for the next few days, officials added.

Rip currents were forecast to accompany the large swell, particularly at west-north-west facing beaches.

"These types of events claim lives each year so extreme vigilance is advised if visiting the coast," NWS officials said.

Earlier this month, a sneaker wave during a similar swell in Pacifica dragged two beachgoers out to sea, but a man remained missing after the U.S. Coast Guard conducted a search.

READ MORE: Pacifica Surf Drags Two Into The Ocean; One Still Missing