NWS sees a high chance of strong rip currents at Los Angeles beaches over Labor Day weekend

The weekend signal is stronger than Tuesday’s surf forecast

The National Weather Service’s Los Angeles/Oxnard office said early Tuesday that there is a high chance of large waves and strong rip currents affecting holiday beachgoers over Labor Day weekend. That is a forward-looking hazard outlook, not a declaration that high surf is already occurring. The separate September 1 surf-zone forecast lists a moderate rip-current risk and 2- to 4-foot surf for the Malibu coast and Los Angeles County beaches on Tuesday and Wednesday. The change to watch is a larger south-to-southeast swell expected to build later in the week.

Sunday into Monday night is the period to watch

NWS forecasters said the most likely scenario would bring stronger surf to south-facing beaches during the busy holiday weekend, with the greatest concern Sunday into Monday night. The discussion names Catalina Island, including Avalon; the stretch from Long Beach to Cabrillo Beach; Malibu; and Point Mugu as especially exposed to a south-southeasterly swell. It does not say every Los Angeles County beach will experience the same conditions, and it does not establish an Orange County forecast. Check the forecast for the beach you actually plan to visit.

High tides could add flooding and erosion concerns

The forecast discussion projects evening high tides of about 6.5 to 6.8 feet Sunday and about 7 feet Monday. If the strongest surf arrives near those tides, NWS says low-lying coastal areas could see at least minor flooding and beach erosion, with a possibility of more significant impacts if the timing aligns. Parking, access and dry-sand space can change even when the sky looks calm. Follow local closures and instructions rather than moving around a barrier or assuming yesterday’s beach layout still applies.

Plan an ocean workout around live conditions, not the calendar

If a holiday workout includes open-water swimming, surfing, bodyboarding or wading, check the latest NWS surf-zone forecast on the morning of the trip and choose a beach with an open lifeguard tower. Los Angeles County lifeguards place orange flags around the safest designated swimming and bodyboarding area available that day; ask the lifeguard about currents, inshore holes and the proper activity zone before entering. A familiar beach, strong pool fitness or clear weather does not remove surf-zone risk. If the conditions exceed your ability, keep the workout on land or reschedule it.

If a rip current carries you away from shore

A rip current moves water offshore; it does not pull a swimmer underwater. National Weather Service and Los Angeles County guidance says to stay calm, avoid exhausting yourself by swimming straight against the current, and move parallel to the shoreline—or toward breaking waves—until clear before angling back to shore. If you cannot escape, float or tread water and signal for help. To help someone else, alert a lifeguard or call 911 and throw something that floats if available; do not enter the water without flotation and become another person in danger.

A rescue can still require medical attention

Call 911 for a person who is missing in the water, unresponsive, struggling to breathe, confused, turning blue or experiencing another emergency. After a rescue, persistent coughing, breathing difficulty, chest pain, unusual sleepiness or worsening symptoms need prompt professional evaluation. Do not treat ocean exhaustion or a near-drowning event with massage, supplements or a routine recovery appointment. NOCTI publishes educational safety information and helps adults discover independent wellness providers; it is not an emergency or medical service.

The forecast remains uncertain, so keep checking

As of the 4:09 a.m. NWS discussion Tuesday, no land-based Los Angeles County high-surf advisory had been issued for the weekend. Forecasters said the swell, rain, wind and coastal impacts depend on the path of tropical activity to the south, and several outcomes remain possible. The useful takeaway is not to panic or cancel every beach plan now. It is to watch for updated surf forecasts and official advisories as the weekend approaches, then make the go-or-no-go decision using the latest conditions and lifeguard direction.

Sources

• NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard: Area Forecast Discussion updated September 1, 2026 ↗
• NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard: Surf Zone Forecast issued September 1, 2026 ↗
• National Weather Service: rip-current safety and forecast guidance ↗
• Los Angeles County Fire Department Lifeguard Division: beach and rip-current guidance ↗