Strong rip currents and elevated surf slammed into beaches across San Diego County Sunday.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), the hazardous rip currents will stick around through Monday morning thanks to a northwest swell generated over the western Pacific.
Surfing is possible during this time, but the NWS and local lifeguards urge surfers to take extra caution in the water.
The strong rip currents and elevated surf increase the danger to swimmers as well, so it’s important to pay attention to flags and signs posted on beaches by local lifeguards.
The NWS says waves are expected to reach four to six feet in San Diego County, with some wave sets reaching up to eight feet just south of Encinitas.
The persistent rip currents and high surf should decrease by Monday and Tuesday. The NWS says similar surf conditions may kick up again Friday. The elevated seas could cause some minor beach erosion, tidal overflow and minor coastal flooding.
Rip currents occur most often at low spots or breaks in the sandbar, often near jetties and piers. If you become caught in a rip current, experts recommend swimming parallel to shore and not directly against the current, as this can quickly exhaust even the most experienced of swimmers.
On Sunday morning, San Diego Lifeguard Lt. Andy Lerum said no major incidents related to the local strong rip currents had yet been reported.