If you're planning a trip to the coast this Sunday, you might want to think twice. The National Weather Service has put three states on high alert for hazardous beach conditions, with rip currents and dangerously cold water posing serious threats to swimmers, surfers, and boaters alike.
The warnings cover a wide swath of California, from San Luis Obispo County all the way down to San Diego, plus the northern Outer Banks of North Carolina and coastal areas of Hancock and Washington counties in Maine. In short, it's not a day to take risks in the ocean.
“There is an increased risk of ocean drowning,” the advisory reads. “Rip currents can pull swimmers and surfers out to sea. Waves can wash people off beaches and rocks, and capsize small boats nearshore.” The message is blunt: stay out of the water unless you're near a lifeguard tower, and avoid rock jetties, which can become deadly in these conditions.
The cold water temperatures are another hidden danger. In many of these areas, the water is cold enough to cause hypothermia quickly, even on a warm day. “Anyone on boats or paddlecraft should use extreme caution to avoid this threat,” the warning adds. That includes kayakers, paddleboarders, and anyone else venturing out on the water.
This isn't the first time the NWS has sounded the alarm this season. Earlier, a beach safety warning followed the tragic death of a former NCAA soccer star who drowned in rip currents, underscoring the very real risks. And it's not just coastal hazards—other parts of the country are facing their own extreme weather, with monsoonal thunderstorms threatening flash floods in three states.
For those still planning to hit the sand, the NWS offers some practical advice: “Paddle smart from the start. Always wear your life jacket. Be aware of wind conditions, tides, and localized currents.” The bottom line is that even experienced swimmers and surfers can be caught off guard by rip currents, which can move faster than an Olympic swimmer.
The warnings are in effect from Sunday morning through Sunday evening, so if you're in any of the affected areas, please take them seriously. And if you're further inland, maybe this is a good weekend to catch a ballgame or enjoy a different kind of outdoor activity—like watching MLB games that are competing for attention on World Cup final Sunday.
Stay safe out there, and remember: the ocean will still be there next weekend.
