Newport Beach lifeguards reportedly recorded more than 100 rescues on Sunday and issued more than 3,000 warnings to beachgoers. The busy weekend for lifeguards came amid a high surf advisory for Southern California beaches, which remains in effect until 11 p.m., Tuesday, per the National Weather Service.
The National Weather Service warned against large surf and dangerous rip currents at Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara, and Orange County Beaches. They alerted a high risk of drowning due to rip currents, with the larger waves posing threats to surfers and even capsizing boats near shore.
“Our lifeguards were very busy. They were rescuing a lot of people,” Newport Beach Fire Department Chief Lifeguard Brian O’Rourke said. “Yesterday it was really crowded. It was hot down at the beach, so it’s a great day to get out here and enjoy the surf, but you have to use caution. It can be dangerous out there if you don’t know what you’re doing.”
The active Eastern Pacific hurricane season which produced Tropical Storm Elida won’t be slowing down just yet. The National Hurricane Center said Tuesday morning that Fausto has grown into the season’s first hurricane, right on Elida’s heels. Although that storm is even stronger than Elida, its path will be more westerly and looks to aim toward Hawaii as the week moves on, according to forecasters.
7/20 2pm PDT: #Fausto is nearing hurricane strength over the open Pacific waters.
See https://t.co/Oy8uoeRKme for the latest updates. pic.twitter.com/ZXNT7IoRqa
— NHC Pacific (@NHC_Pacific) July 20, 2026
