If you’re heading to the beach in San Francisco or along the Northern California coast today, be extra careful—sneaker waves and strong rip currents are creating dangerous conditions.
The National Weather Service has issued a Beach Hazards Statement through Tuesday night, warning that unexpectedly large waves could surge up the beach and pull people into the ocean with little to no warning. Even if the water looks calm, all it takes is one powerful wave to knock you down and drag you out.
What’s the Big Danger?
Sneaker Waves
- These waves look normal at first but suddenly rush farther up the beach than expected.
- They’re powerful enough to knock over even strong swimmers, dragging people and pets into deep water.
- They don’t give you time to react. One second, you’re standing on dry sand—the next, you’re in the ocean.
Rip Currents
- These fast-moving currents pull swimmers away from shore—often so quickly that people panic.
- They don’t drag you under, but they do carry you far out to sea before you realize what’s happening.
- The instinct is to fight against them, but that only tires you out. Instead, you need to swim parallel to shore to escape.
What’s Happening Right Now?
Dangerous Surf Conditions
- Waves up to 18 feet are expected, especially on west and northwest-facing beaches.
- The most at-risk areas include:
- San Francisco beaches
- Point Reyes National Seashore
- San Francisco Peninsula Coast
- Big Sur and Monterey Bay beaches
How to Stay Safe
Stay Back from the Water – If the sand looks wet, that means waves have already reached that far—stay even farther back.
Never Turn Your Back on the Ocean – Sneaker waves strike when you least expect them.
Avoid Climbing on Rocks and Jetties – They may seem like a great place to watch the waves, but they’re also the most dangerous if one hits.
If You Get Caught in a Rip Current…
- Stay calm and don’t panic.
- Swim parallel to shore to escape the current—don’t fight against it.
- If you’re too tired to swim, float on your back and wave for help.
A Heartbreaking Reminder
Just last month, a father and his 8-year-old son from San Jose were swept into the ocean by a sneaker wave at Cowell Ranch State Beach, south of Half Moon Bay. Tragically, they didn’t survive.
Even the strongest swimmers can’t outswim a sneaker wave. If you think you’re standing in a safe spot, move back even farther.
When Will It Get Better?
- Tuesday night: Conditions should start improving, but waves will still be unpredictable for a while.
- The rest of the week: Things should calm down, but always check conditions before heading to the beach.
For now, enjoy the ocean from a safe distance. It’s beautiful—but today, it’s also deadly.
