By San Clemente Times
San Clemente lifeguards sent out a warning Friday morning urging people to use caution this weekend at local beaches.
According to the National Weather Service: “a long period south swell originating off the coast of New Zealand late last month will move through the southern California coastal waters beginning Saturday afternoon. This will bring a period of elevated surf and strong rip current conditions beginning over the Labor Day Weekend and continue through Tuesday.”
The warning stated lifeguards advise people to check conditions before entering the water, “know your limits and never swim alone.”
The warning also stated lifeguards recommend wearing swim fins while in the ocean and wearing a leash on surfboards or body boards.
“Do not mix alcohol and swimming; it is a recipe for disaster,” the warning stated. “If you are caught in a rip current, don’t panic and do not tire yourself out trying to fight the current. The rip currents are too strong. To get out of the rip current, swim parallel to the beach until you are free of the current and return to shore. If you can’t swim out of the rip current, relax, tread water and wave an arm for assistance. A lifeguard will be there soon.”
For more safety information, contact the lifeguards on the beach or call 949.361.8219. For current surf and weather conditions, call 949.492.1011 or visit the Beach & Weather report on the city of San Clemente’s website at www.san-clemente.org and click on Live Beach Camera Surf & Weather on the right-hand side.
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