Large waves, strong rip currents along San Diego coast

SAN DIEGO (CNS) – Large waves that rolled in atop high tides and churned up strong rip currents along the San Diego County coast this weekend were expected to begin to die down Sunday.

A National Weather Service beach hazards statement was scheduled to remain in effect through Tuesday morning, although forecasters said the 4- to 7-foot surf and occasional sets to 8 feet between La Jolla and Point Loma would begin to lower this afternoon. That strip includes Pacific Beach, Mission Beach and Ocean Beach.

The 3- to 5-foot surf elsewhere was also expected to lower today through Tuesday, forecasters said.

However, astronomical high tides of around 7 feet each morning combined with the elevated surf could still cause minor tidal overflow in low-lying beach areas. Weather service forecasters said strong rip currents would also continue into Tuesday.

The higher than average surf and rip currents could result in dangerous swimming conditions, especially for those with little experience in the water, forecasters said. Beachgoers were advised to obey posted warning signs, use caution in and around the water and to swim near a lifeguard.