Big Surf Pounds Southern California Beaches

Huntington Beach - A man who nearly drowned in the high surf at Cabrillo Beach was lucky to be alive today, as waves as high as 10 feet are expected to continue hitting south-facing beaches through Tuesday.

The near drowning was reported at 4:55 p.m. Sunday near 3720 Stephen M. White Drive, where 8-foot waves were crashing into the shore, said Los Angeles County Fire Inspector Matt Levesque.

"Lifeguards responded to reports of a body in the water that possibly washed ashore," Levesque said. "By the time lifeguards got to him, the patient was in full (cardiac) arrest."

Levesque said paramedics took the man to a hospital.

Brian Humphrey of the city fire department said the man was alive when delivered to the hospital.

The surf, from a storm off New Zealand, started building yesterday and continued today.

With the big waves expected to continue through Tuesday, lifeguards warned people not to venture out on jetties, where they could get swept away. Only experienced swimmers and surfers should get in over their heads.

Surfers can expect shoulder-high and overhead waves today and Tuesday.

At the Wedge in Newport Beach, where the harbor jetty helps pump up the surf, breakers could be 12-15 feet, and surfers and spectators ahve been flocking to the area despite the hazardous conditions.

Along with the high surf and rip currents, ocean temperatures will be in the low 60s, and a persistent marine layer will also keep air temperatures in the 60s, which could deter many from getting in the water.

With the pounding waves come strong currents that can pull swimmers offshore. Lifeguards recommend swimming parallel to the beach to get out of rip currents before turning toward shore.

A high surf advisory is in effect until 3 p.m. Tuesday.