Swimmers Urged to Avoid Beaches As Storm Surge Nears

Expected high waves and dangerous rip currents are prompting calls for surfers and swimmers to stay out of the water at local beaches for the next several days.

Hurricane Marie is moving through the Pacific and will send some of the highest surf to the California coastline beginning at 10 a.m. Tuesday.

Waves are expected to reach 10 to 15 feet in some areas, particularly the south and southeast facing beaches of Los Angeles and Ventura County, and so-called "sneaker" waves are expected to sweep jetties and rocks.

"We're advising people not to go into the water unless you're an expert surfer or expert swimmer with fins," said Chris Linkletter, a LA County Lifeguard Section Chief. "Everybody needs to consult with the lifeguard on duty to find out where the safest place to be is on the beach."

Last weekend was a busy week for lifeguards, with 175 rescues, and the department will be on alert through the next few days.

“I think with the swell window, I know we do have some tide change -- that will impact the beaches here locally and with that,” LA County Lifeguard Captain Kyle Daniels said. “Combination of tide change, big surf, we get rip currents and that's where 90 percent of our rescues come from.”

Sandbags have been made available to local residents in Long Beach, as officials warn the high surf could impact area homes,with some flooding in low-lying areas expected.

Volunteers from several local groups have distributed fliers along the Palos Verdes Peninsula, urging residents to protect property and secure vehicles in areas that are prone to flooding.

According to the National Weather Service, the areas most likely affected by the swells are the peninsula cities including Long Beach, Cabrillo Beacj and Point Fermin; Malibu and Zuma beaches; and Port Hueneme, Point Mugu, Oxnard Shores and County line in Ventura County.

Hetty Chang contributed to this report.