Warnings issued amid 10-foot waves at SoCal beaches

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. (KABC) -- Surf's up! At least for one more day. A high surf advisory issued by the National Weather Service expires Tuesday for beaches across Southern California.

Wave height on the largest sets reached 10 feet on Tuesday at the Wedge in Newport Beach, a popular spot that's famous for huge swells. On Monday, waves were even larger at an estimated 15 feet.

"How lucky am I," said spectator Greer Gotlieb, who lives in Newport Beach. "It's really relaxing! It's a great way to start the day."

Newport Beach lifeguards saw rescue numbers drop significantly on Monday into Tuesday after making 32 rescues over the weekend.

"The surf is still strong, check the conditions, make sure you know your limits," Battalion Chief Mike Halphide said.

Halphide added conditions peaked on Monday evening with the largest waves hitting an estimated 20 feet.

The surf advisory also warns swimmers of strong rip currents. People without experience are advised to stay out of the water.

"The waves get funneled into here from deeper water, so it's unlike any other beach," Newport Beach surfer Nick Hastings said. "To get barrels like this, you really got to go to Hawaii or deep Mexico."

Lifeguards expect wave sizes to drop on Wednesday to 5 to 7 feet sets.

"It's still dangerous," Hastings said. "All it takes is one tweak and you'll land on your neck. People have died here."