WEATHER

High surf advisory issued for Ventura County coast

Staff reports

The National Weather Service issued a high surf advisory through much of the weekend for Ventura County beaches. 

The advisory covers the Ventura County coast, Los Angeles County coast, and Catalina and Santa Barbara islands through noon Sunday. 

Large waves of 6 to 10 feet and dangerous rip currents as well as minor beach flooding are possible, the agency said.

The waves will bring dangerous swimming conditions and raise the risk of ocean drowning, the agency warned, with rip currents that can pull swimmers and surfers out to sea. Large breaking waves could cause injury, wash people off beaches and rocks, and capsize small boats.

Minor flooding of sea water over beaches could occur around the time of high tide Friday, the agency said.

The largest high tides were expected around 9 a.m. Friday, lowering slightly on Saturday with high tide around 9:40 a.m.

The agency said beachgoers should stay near near a lifeguard. If caught in a rip current, relax and float. Don`t swim against the current. If possible, swim parallel to the shoreline until you get out of the current. If you can't get out of the current, face the shore and call or wave for help.

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