Big Waves Hit SoCal Beaches; High Surf Advisory In Effect

A high surf advisory issued by the NWS will be in force until 11 p.m. Tuesday along the Los Angeles and Orange county coasts amid a "high" risk of rip currents and surf of between five and eight feet in height, with sets reaching 10 feet along some south-facing beaches. The highest surf is expected to occur around Malibu and Zuma beaches through Tuesday morning.

The NWS said the high surf is the result of a long-period swell produced by a storm in the southern hemisphere.

"Very strong rip currents will affect many beaches through Tuesday," the NWS warned in a statement. "In addition, south-facing harbors and bays across the Channel Islands, including Avalon, Port San Luis, San Simeon, and Cayucos could see significant currents capable of dislodging moored vessels and docks."

The weather service had a special warning for swimmers.

"Remember, swim near a lifeguard or when in doubt, stay out," the statement said. "Do not climb on jetties as large waves can sweep you off the rocks easily. Never turn your back to the ocean as sneaker waves can inundate beaches and pull people into the water."

The NWS forecast mostly cloudy skies today and highs of 62 at LAX; 64 in San Clemente; 65 in Laguna Beach; 66 in Newport Beach; 67 in Long Beach, Avalon and on Mount Wilson; 68 in San Gabriel; 69 in Burbank, Irvine and Mission Viejo; 71 in Fullerton, Pasadena and Woodland Hills; 72 in Yorba Linda; 73 in Saugus; and 79 in Palmdale and Lancaster. A warming trend is expected Friday.

From Christine O' Donnell:

A high surf advisory is in effect from until 11 p.m. Tuesday along the Los Angeles coast, lifeguards announced Sunday.

At the Wedge in Newport Beach, the jetty has been closed and caution tape put up to protect people from the high tide. Fifteen to 18 foot waves crashed along the shore and a number of rescues were made.

Lifeguard Hayden Paul says a father and son were swept into the ocean during the morning. "The kid got sucked off and one of our lifeguards and an off-duty lifeguard saved the kid," Paul said.

Paul and his partner spent the day keeping people from getting two close and asking inexperienced swimmers to get out of the water. "As you can see we are flying the red flag which means it is dangerous, don't go out unless you know what you are doing," Paul said.

Valarie and Thomas Malone watched the waves crash from shore. "We're from Las Vegas, so this is nice to see," Valarie said. "I want to go out and do it, but unfortunately it's my 52nd birthday tomorrow, and I'd like to make it to 53, so I'm not," Thomas said.

Like the Malone's, most people stayed behind the caution tape and watched the show, but there were a handful of people who ventured into the waves include Gar Myers.

"I'll try to be safe, pick good waves, not dumb waves. I'll see ya on the other side," Myers said.

While some had fun in the waves, vacationers heading out on the Carnival Cruise Ship: Imagination had a wrench thrown into their plans. Hundreds were bused from the port in Long Beach down to San Diego to meet the ship there due to the dangerous conditions.

Brandon Child and his friend flew in from Utah for the four day trip.

"We got an email from Carnival saying they can't port here, so they're sending us down to San Diego where we can hopefully get on our cruise ship and be underway soon," Child said.

Carnival released a statement saying due to the weather they'll no longer be taking their passengers to Catalina and will be spending an extra day in Mexico.

Back on shore, lifeguards are asking people to take caution. The surf advisory is in effect until Tuesday night.