The National Weather Service has issued a high surf advisory for the Los Angeles County Coast including Downtown Los Angeles-Catalina and Santa Barbara Islands.

Large breaking waves of 4 to 7 feet with dangerous rip currents are predicted for the area from 3 p.m. this afternoon to noon PDT Tuesday.

There is an increased risk of drowning due to the hazardous conditions. Rip currents can pull swimmers and surfers out to sea. Waves can wash people off beaches and rocks, and capsize small boats nearshore.

If caught in a rip current, relax and float. Don`t swim against the current. If able, swim in a direction following the shoreline. If unable to escape, face the shore and call or wave for help.

Matthew Hall

Matthew Hall has a Masters Degree in International Journalism from City University in London and has been Editor-in-Chief of SMDP since 2014. Prior to working at SMDP he managed a chain of weekly papers...