Santa Barbara Beachgoers Warned of Dangerous Waves, Strong Rip Currents Through Thursday

Beachgoers in Santa Barbara County are advised to exercise caution this week as elevated surf, strong rip currents, and unusually high tides create hazardous conditions along the coastline.

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a beach hazards statement for the Santa Barbara County coastline through 3 a.m. Thursday.

South-facing beaches can expect breaking waves of 3 to 6 feet, with evening high tides reaching around 7 feet, according to the advisory.

Forecasters warned that the high tides could result in dangerous swimming conditions, minor coastal erosion, and localized beach erosion.

Breaking waves can sweep people off rocks and beaches, while powerful rip currents may create hazardous swimming conditions, the NWS said in the advisory.

Waves may run farther up the beach than normal levels during periods of high tide. This may potentially elevate risks for people standing near the shoreline, jetties, or rocks.

The advisory covers the Santa Barbara County Southwestern Coast and Southeastern Coast, along with popular beaches in and around the City of Santa Barbara.

Authorities warned residents and visitors to stay out of the water if conditions appear unsafe and to maintain a safe distance from rocks and jetties where large waves can crash with very little warning.

The powerful waves can wash people off beaches and capsize small boats near the shore, NWS said.

Additional details published by the NWS’s Los Angeles/Oxnard office noted that rip currents and breaking waves will be the primary dangers from Wednesday evening and early Thursday morning.

High Surf in Southern California Coast

The conditions affecting Santa Barbara County are part of a broader coastal event impacting Southern California.

High surf and “king tides” have resulted in dangerous ocean conditions throughout the region over the past few days, prompting warnings from local authorities and lifeguards, according to a report by the Santa Monica Mirror.

King tides are a colloquial term to describe unusually high tides, according to the National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration. The exceptionally high tides usually occur during a new or full moon and when the moon is at its perigee, or closest to Earth, or during specific seasons around the country.

The dangerous coastal conditions are being fueled by a strong south swell coinciding with some of the highest tides of the year, according to the report.

The dangerous surf conditions have prompted concern across Southern California.

A recently shared video of a lifeguard rushing into the surf at an Orange County beach to rescue beachgoers who were struggling to emerge from powerful waves highlighted the heightened risks at the beaches.

According to the Santa Monica Mirror, there have been incidents of flooding at Crystal Cove State Park, prompting authorities to distribute sandbags in flood-prone areas of Long Beach and Newport Beach.