Dangerous waves slam Central Coast — ‘Everyone should remain out of the water’
A high surf warning was issued Tuesday morning warning of large waves and strong rip currents through Thursday afternoon — including during the annual Polar Bear Dip in Cayucos.
National Weather Service in Los Angeles said “everyone should remain of of the water due to life-threatening surf conditions” on the Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo county coastlines.
Large waves of 10 to 15 feet and dangerously strong rip currents are expected through Wednesday afternoon at 2 p.m.. Dangerously large breaking waves of 15 to 20 feet and strong rip currents are expected between Wednesday and Thursday afternoon. Warnings of smaller waves were issued in Ventura and Los Angeles counties.
Those conditions “will pose an exceptional risk of ocean drowning and damage to coastal structures like piers and jetties. Large breaking waves can cause injury, wash people off beaches and rocks, and capsize small boats near shore,” the warning says.
“Everyone should remain out of the water due to life-threatening surf conditions. Stay off of jetties, piers, and other waterside infrastructure,” the advisory says.
New Year’s Day events are scheduled to proceed.
Thousands of people annually attend the New Year’s Day Polar Bear Dip, where revelers of all ages and often in costume run into the ocean near the Cayucos Pier. The event begins at 10 a.m., with the run into the ocean scheduled for noon. High tide will be at 1:36 p.m.
The incoming president of the Chamber of Commerce in Cayucos, Brendan Fritzsche, told The Tribune that the current president spoke with the Cal Fire station chief to review logistics after the warning was issued.
“We always take this event very seriously with respect to water safety, and will be buoyed by support from Cal Fire, as well as from the Morro Bay Harbor Patrol and the Coast Guard, with lifeguards on shore and in the water as well,“ Fritzsche said in an email.
“We encourage all Polar Bear Dip participants to celebrate the day responsibly and to exercise caution near the water. We also ask all parents to help us make this a safe event for everyone by keeping watch on their young children.”
Avila Beach also will hold a Polar Bear Plunge at noon, with activities running through the afternoon.
This story was originally published December 31, 2019 at 11:33 AM.
