Millions of people in Southern California were warned to stay out of the ocean this weekend amid dangerous conditions and an increased risk of drowning.
Why It Matters
The dangerous ocean conditions come during Labor Day weekend. Labor Day is a federal holiday that occurs on the first Monday in September every year and honors the American labor movement and workers’ contributions. This year, it falls on Monday, September 1. The holiday is often associated with outdoor events, such as barbecues and lakeside or beachside events, and is seen as a mark of the end of summer.
Hot temperatures also have hit Southern California, making the ocean seem even more appealing. However, dangerous waves and rip currents pose a threat more than 3 million people in Southern California this weekend, prompting meteorologists to warn people to stay out of the water.
What to Know
National Weather Service (NWS) offices in Los Angeles and San Diego issued coastal hazard messages on Friday warning people to stay out of the water over Labor Day weekend. Newsweek reached out to both offices by phone for comment.
In the Los Angeles forecast area, the alert is in effect for Ventura County Beaches, Malibu Coast, Los Angeles County Beaches, San Luis Obispo County Beaches and Santa Barbara County Central Coast Beaches. The most dangerous conditions were for south-facing beaches from Point Mugu to Malibu, as well as Port San Luis and Avila beach. The alert warned of waves as high as 7 feet and dangerous rip currents…