Lifeguards rescued more than 5,000 people overcome by high surf and dangerous rip currents at beaches in Los Angeles and Orange counties over the Labor Day weekend.
In Los Angeles County, the hot temperatures and warm water brought more than 3.2 million visitors to area beaches. Although the sand was toasty, the ocean was less inviting.
High surf with waves reaching 7 feet and strong currents proved to be too much for 2,036 swimmers, who had to be rescued from the ocean. That’s up from 1,207 from last year’s Labor Day weekend, said John Greger, spokesman for the Los Angeles County Fire Department's Lifeguard Division.