High Surf, Beach Swells Prompt Nearly 2,000 Beach Rescues

SANTA MONICA—On August 1, a beachgoers report indicates that there were 1,450 water rescues at Los Angeles County beaches. Water rescues between July 24 and August 1 reached nearly 2,000, as rip currents and beach swells dominated the water. Officials with the Los Angeles County Fire Department commended the work of firefighters, saying the performance of as many as 2,000 rescues between July 24 and July 26 was “nuts” and “the largest number [of water rescues] they can remember.” According to the Los Angeles County Fire Department Lifeguard Division, during the July 24 weekend, lifeguards executed 1,500 ocean rescues, conducted 71,274 preventive actions, 749 Emergency Vehicle Responses, and provided medical aid to 517 people. On July 31, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH) issued area Beach Warnings for Los Angeles County Beaches in the following locations due to high bacteria levels. Santa Monica Beach, 100 yards up and down the coast from the Wilshire Boulevard Storm Drain. The entire swimming area at Mother’s Beach in Marina Del Rey of Inner Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro, and the entire swimming area at the Santa Monica Pier, and 100 yards up and down the coastline from the pier. LACDPH issued the warnings after finding recent water samples revealed bacteria levels exceeding the public health standards, increasing the risk of illness in people and their pets. In addition to high surf and bacteria warnings, LA Public Health issued three extreme heat warnings within a month. On July 20, a heat advisory was extended to August 5 for the East San Gabriel Mountains. An extreme heat warning was issued for Antelope Valley, the Western Antelope Valley, and the Eastern Antelope Valley thru August 5. A heat advisory was extended through August 5 for Western San Gabriel Mountains/Hwy 14 Corridor, Northwest LA County Mountains, and the Interstate 5 Corridor. The Southern California heat wave continues with triple-digit temperatures. By Sharon