With rising temperatures prompting many across the Bay Area to visit the coast, the National Weather Service issued a Beach Hazards Statement for Thursday to warn residents about possible sneaker waves and rip currents.
Beach Hazards Statements are issued to "inform beachgoers and local authorities about a multitude of hazards" on the coast. These alerts are issued when the hazards do not rise to the criteria for an Advisory, Watch or Warning.
The agency issued Thursday's statement, which is in effect from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., due to an increased risk of sneaker waves and rip currents.
Sneaker waves are defined as "deadly, larger-than-average swells that can suddenly and without warning surge dozens of feet higher up the beach than expected, overtaking the unwary." They can knock unsuspecting beachgoers over and pull them into the sea.
Meanwhile, rip currents are "powerful, channeled currents of water flowing away from shore."
Officials caution beachgoers to stay back from the water and never turn their back on the ocean.
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