Waves as high as 10 feet affecting roughly 700 miles of California coastline

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. (KABC) -- Beachgoers heading to the Southern California coast this weekend are being urged to use caution as Hurricane Genevieve fuels large surf and dangerous rip currents along hundreds of miles of coastline.

Waves as high as 10 feet are affecting roughly 700 miles of the California coast, creating hazardous ocean conditions for swimmers and surfers.

Lifeguards are responding to hundreds of water rescues each day. In Los Angeles County, officials say every lifeguard on duty is averaging two to three water rescues per shift this week.

The dangerous surf comes as the U.S. Open of Surfing continues in Huntington Beach. The hazardous conditions are not limited to Orange County. Strong surf and dangerous rip currents are also expected at beaches in Los Angeles and Ventura counties.

Officials advise anyone caught in a rip current to swim parallel to the shoreline, then angle away from the current and head back toward shore.

Some beachgoers said the rough conditions are keeping them out of the water.

"I wouldn't go out there today, "Angie Chrisfield said. "Number 1, I am too old. Number 2, it's too rough out there."

Lifeguards are also reminding visitors to check in with beach personnel before entering the water, noting that ocean conditions can change quickly.