Take Care If Beach-Bound: High Waves, Rip Currents Through Saturday

The National Weather Service has issued a Beach Hazards Statement in effect through Saturday evening for coastal parts of the San Francisco and Bay Area.

There will be an increased risk for rip currents, long shore currents and sneaker waves along the entire coast from the Sonoma Coast through the Monterey Coast. West and southwest facing beaches including Stinson, Santa Cruz, Twin Lakes, Ocean, Montara, Half Moon Bay, Manresa and Marina beaches will be particularly impacted, according to the National Weather Service.

Swimmers caught in rip currents are advised to swim parallel to the coast to escape the rip current before trying to swim for shore.

People walking along the beach are advised to never turn their back to the sea, and fisherman should avoid fishing from jetties.

--Bay City News