VIDEO: Monster Wave Sweeps Man Into Sea At Bonny Doon

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, CA — As National Weather Service issued a high surf advisory through 9 p.m. Thursday, with swells up to 25 feet on west-facing beaches, Santa Cruz County officials are pointing out that giant breakers can sneak up on you. A Bonny Doon beachgoer was swept into the ocean Monday by a massive wave (watch attached video). Fortunately, he was rescued by state park rangers and escaped serious injury.

The National Weather Service forecast 11 to 14 feet northwest swells and breaking waves of 20 to 25 feet Thursday. There were also forecast strong rip currents and large and dangerous breaking waves at coastal areas, according to the agency.

Beachgoers are advised to stay back from the water's edge and to not turn their backs on the ocean.