Lifeguards Rescue Nearly 2,000 People At LA County Beaches During Heat Wave

LOS ANGELES, CA — Los Angeles County lifeguards performed nearly 2,000 ocean rescues over the weekend as droves of people packed local beaches to escape extreme heat, fire officials said Monday.

The Los Angeles County Fire Department shared a video on Monday showing one rescue where lifeguards responded to a person in distress in rough surf.

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In all, county lifeguards reported:

• 1,950 ocean rescues
• 71,274 preventive actions
• 517 medical responses
• 749 emergency vehicle responses

The rescues came during an exceptionally hot and humid weekend across Southern California. Inland temperatures reached the triple digits in some communities, sending crowds toward the coast, where a strong swell generated elevated surf.

The department said millions of people visited Los Angeles County beaches during the weekend.

Dangerous conditions could continue this week. A Southern Hemisphere swell is expected to keep surf elevated, while a heat advisory remains in effect across parts of the region, according to fire officials.

The National Weather Service warned of a high rip tide risk with 3- to 7-foot waves through 6 p.m. Wednesday.

Beachgoers should speak with a lifeguard about water conditions before entering the ocean, officials said. Swimmers should also stay near staffed lifeguard towers and avoid entering the water in areas where warning signs are posted.