CALIFORNIA — Over 500 swimmers were rescued across Southern California beaches this Fourth of July weekend as lifeguards battled treacherous rip currents and hazardous surf, forcing emergency responses from Huntington to Newport Beach.
The spike in rescues prompted urgent public safety alerts as lifeguards worked tirelessly to prevent drownings amid unpredictable water conditions.
Huntington and Newport Beach See Most Rescues
At Huntington Beach, lifeguards pulled more than 150 swimmers from dangerous rip currents stretching “hundreds of yards offshore,” according to Huntington Beach Lifeguard Trevor McDonald, who spoke to ABC7. The swift water channels were “pulling water into that deep section,” making it extremely difficult for swimmers to return to shore.
Meanwhile, Newport Beach lifeguards conducted over 350 rescues in a single day, including a harrowing mission to save 10 swimmers caught in a ‘monster rip current,’ as reported by CBS News Los Angeles.
Lifeguards Share Critical Water Safety Advice
Lifeguard Battalion Chief Adam Yacenda emphasized the importance of not fighting the current. “Keep your head above the surface and swim parallel to shore to get out of that brown, choppy, sandy water that’s really rough and carrying you out,” he advised.
Footage shared by KTLA 5 and via the Newport Beach Lifeguards’ official X post showed scenes of lifeguards pulling swimmers to safety against powerful waves — a stark reminder of how fast ocean conditions can turn deadly.
National Weather Service Urges Continued Caution
Despite the weekend being over, dangerous ocean conditions persisted through Sunday evening, according to the National Weather Service. A Beach Hazard Statement remained in effect for several areas, including Catalina and Santa Barbara Islands, due to an “increased risk of ocean drowning” and unusually powerful waves. NWS forecasts highlighted the sustained threat of rip currents well beyond the holiday.
Over 500 Rescued — But Not Without Risk
In total, more than 500 rescues were conducted throughout the weekend. FOX Los Angeles noted that many swimmers were caught off guard by the deceptive strength of the surf, with rip currents pulling even experienced swimmers far from shore.
The situation serves as a sobering reminder: even experienced beachgoers are vulnerable when ocean conditions shift quickly.
Have you or someone you know ever been caught in a rip current at a California or Illinois beach? Share your story in the comments on ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com and help others stay safe this summer.
