Treacherous rip currents hit San Diego County beaches as summer reaches its peak

Dangerous rip currents are slamming San Diego County beaches due to sizable swells out of the west and southwest and are likely to last well into Thursday afternoon, the National Weather Service said.

In many areas, the surf is breaking 3 to 5 feet high, with individual sets reaching 6 to 7 feet. The swells also are producing fast-moving currents beneath the county’s public piers.

Public safety officials are urging swimmers and surfers to enter the ocean in front of staffed lifeguard stands. People in the water might be difficult to see from land over the next few days because of the thickness of the marine layer.

Sea surface temperatures are in the 67-to-73-degree range, which is below average for this time of year.