Hundreds of people were rescued from a monster rip current in Newport Beach, California, during the 4th of July holiday weekend.
Families flocked to Southern California beaches to celebrate the 4th of July this weekend amid a Beach Hazards Statement warning beachgoers about large swells and strong rip currents.
There is a beach hazards warning in effect until Sunday evening:
* WHAT…Dangerous rip currents and breaking waves due to
elevated surf expected.
* WHERE…Catalina and Santa Barbara Islands, Ventura County
Beaches, Malibu Coast and Los Angeles County Beaches.
* WHEN…Through Sunday evening.
* IMPACTS…There is an increased risk of ocean drowning. Rip
currents can pull swimmers and surfers out to sea. Waves can
wash people off beaches and rocks, and capsize small boats
nearshore.
“Remain out of the water due to hazardous swimming conditions, or stay near occupied lifeguard towers. Rock jetties can be deadly in such conditions, stay off the rocks,” the warning said.
Footage captured by a Huntington Beach Police helicopter showed the monster rip current.
WATCH:
10 swimmers rescued from monster rip current
on the 4th of July in Newport Beach, CA. Captured by a Huntington Beach Police helicopter. Today, over 350 rescues were made in Newport Beach alone. #happy4th #swimnearalifeguard pic.twitter.com/nfHb4thTD0— Newport Beach Lifeguards (@NewportBeachLG) July 5, 2025
Newport Beach resident and former lifeguard John Layman spoke to KTLA about the rip currents.
“There are big lulls in the surf, and then when the sets come, there are five to six waves in a set…and they’re pretty big,” John Layman told KTLA. “So it looks calm for a little while, then a big set comes in and people get tossed around. When a lot of water comes in, a lot of water has to go out, which creates rip tides.”
WATCH:
