Millions in three states warned to stay out of the water

National Weather Service (NWS) offices had issued multiple beach hazards statements as of Monday, urging people in multiple states to remain out of the water through the evening due to a combination of marine threats, including rip currents.

Beachgoers in parts of California, Virginia and North Carolina were warned directly to stay out of the water, while an additional beach hazard statement applied to parts of Maine.

Why It Matters

According to the U.S. Lifesaving Association (USLA), over 100 deaths in the U.S. every year are attributed to rip currents. The group said that rip currents account for more than 80 percent of rescues performed by surf beach lifeguards.

What To Know

In California, San Diego and Orange County beaches could see surf sets up to five feet driven by a southerly well, according to the NWS.

Ventura County Beaches, the Malibu Coast and Los Angeles County Beaches faced dangerous rip currents a breaking waves, which presented an increased risk of drowning through Monday evening, the agency said.

Beaches in San Luis Obispo County and Santa Barbara County’s Central Coast also faced dangerous rip currents, as did the San Francisco Peninsula’s coast, Point Reyes National Seashore, and northern Monterey Bay.

In North Carolina’s eastern Currituck County and Virginia Beach in Virginia, “dangerous” rip currents and breaking waves between four to six feet were expected.

“Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water. Strong longshore currents will create dangerous swimming conditions. Large breaking waves can cause neck and spinal injuries,” the NWS warned.

In Maine, coastal Hancock and Washington received a beach hazards statement due to water temperatures.

“The warm air temperatures in the middle 70s to low 80s may cause people to underestimate the danger of the cold water temperatures which are currently in the middle 50s,” said the NWS.

The agency cautioned that cold water temperatures could quickly cause hypothermia and urged anyone on a boat or paddlecraft to exercise “extreme caution.”

What People Are Saying

NWS Los Angeles said on X, August 30: “Heading to the beach this Labor Day Weekend to get a break from the heat? Enjoy the cooler coastal temps, but be aware of hazardous rip currents and elevated surf. A beach hazards statement is in effect through Monday night.

“Remember to always swim near a lifeguard!”

NWS Wakefield, Virginia said on X, Monday: “Heads up! There is a Moderate rip current risk for the northern beaches and a High rip current risk for the southern beaches today. The rip current risk remains elevated into midweek at all beaches.”

What Happens Next

The warnings were in effect through Monday evening at the time of writing.

The NWS issues regular forecast updates on its website.