Big waves take over Southern California beaches

Southern California beaches saw some of the biggest waves in years last week, turning usually calm waters into dangerous surf zones. Orange County bore the brunt, with waves reaching up to fifteen feet in places like Newport Beach and Dana Point—so tall they crashed over protective rock barriers. Huntington Beach and San Clemente felt the impact too, with waves nearly scraping underneath the piers. Laguna Beach went so far as to shut down a parking lot because of flooding risks. Surfers and spectators gathered at the famous Wedge in Newport Beach, where waves can grow to terrifying heights when they collide. While some experienced riders took on the steep drops, others wiped out in front of cheering crowds. Lifeguards warned beachgoers to stay out of the water unless they were experienced—they called it a “when in doubt, don’t go out” situation.Safety officials weren’t just worried about surfers. They warned that powerful rip currents could drag anyone into deeper water quickly. The National Weather Service advised swimming only near lifeguard stations and checking warning flags first. In Los Angeles County, waves reached up to six or seven feet, while San Diego saw smaller but still risky sets up to eight feet. Another concern arose for homeowners on the Newport Peninsula. Years of sand erosion have weakened natural protection, leaving some beachfront properties vulnerable. The city piled extra sand near homes to block rising tides, but residents know the ocean could still cause damage. Lifeguards across the region stepped up patrols, with extra boats and staff on standby. Meanwhile, authorities urged visitors to avoid swimming near piers or rock jetties where waves were strongest. For families with children, calmer spots like Seal Beach or the protected harbor areas were recommended. Experts say this kind of extreme swell isn’t new, but its intensity this early in summer is unusual. Officials expect the waves to stick around for a while, so they’re advising beachgoers to stay informed and make safer choices.