SoCal lifeguards bracing for warm, busy weekend

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- It's going to be a hot weekend in Southern California, and that means lifeguards will have their work cut out for them, with large beach crowds and the threat of riptides.

High surf, strong rip currents and sneaker waves along south-facing beaches are expected Saturday and Sunday as a result of a long-period Southern Hemisphere swell that moved into coastal waters Friday, according to the National Weather Service.

A beach hazard statement will be in effect in Los Angeles, Orange, Ventura and Santa Barbara counties from late Friday through Sunday afternoon.

Watches/Warnings --> abc7.la/WxWarnings

A beefed-up staff of lifeguards will be keeping an eye on beachgoers.

"We have a south swell of 2 to 3 feet coming in, which is causing very dangerous rip currents and we have abnormally warm water this year, at this time, about 5 to 6 degrees above normal," said Manhattan Beach Lifeguard Capt. John Greger.

Lifeguards performed numerous rescues on Friday.

"We did have some long distance rescues today, where our Baywatch boats were involved, helping people on the boat and getting them back to shore safely," Greger said.

Anyone planning to spend time in the water was urged to check in with lifeguards to find the safest places to swim.

City News Service contributed to this report.