High surf triggers rescues along Southland beaches

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. (KABC) -- The high surf is affecting beachgoers from San Diego to Malibu, just in time for Labor Day weekend.

Huntington Beach has been particularly busy this holiday weekend with 70,000 people reported on Saturday. With that kind of volume, lifeguards patrolled the coast on boats and jet skis, making 50 water rescues of swimmers and surfers on Saturday.

Lifeguards from Malibu to San Pedro have had their hands full as well. Los Angeles County recorded 170 rescues on Saturday alone.

Some waves along the coast hit 15 feet, and swells produced breakers up to 8 feet. Tropical Storm Ilena is to blame for these conditions. Weather experts say as Ilena weakens, so should the surf conditions. For now, however, swimmers are urged to be cautious.

Though there were hundreds of rescues along Southern California beaches on Saturday, there were no serious injuries.

A high-surf advisory is in effect for the Orange County coastal areas until Monday at 6 p.m.

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