Santa Barbara, Calif. – The remnants of Hurricane Marie are producing unusually large surf along the city’s traditionally calm shoreline. At East Beach, waves have reached six to eight feet, creating a sudden and potentially dangerous situation for swimmers and surfers.
Public‑safety teams on duty
All six city lifeguard towers are fully staffed through the long Labor Day weekend, with more than eight lifeguards on duty at any given time. The Harbor Patrol boat was observed early Saturday afternoon patrolling the near‑shore waters, while two lifeguards operated the mobile beach unit along the sand, scanning for anyone in distress.
First‑hand accounts from responders
“We’ve got waves out here six to eight feet, face beach‑break, meaning when it breaks hard it breaks all at once,” said Brittney Gamble, a lifeguard and EMT with eight years of service. “It can be a life‑threatening situation if you’re not a strong swimmer.” Lifeguard Dino Ise added, “It is very steep out of nowhere and very rocky. People lost their footing and had a very hard time. We just had to go in, all three of us, and take turns going in.”
A crew of three lifeguards stationed at the tower near the landmark Chromatic Gate reported assisting several beachgoers who struggled to exit the strong surf, especially those swimming near the Cabrillo Pavilion.
Visitors react to the unexpected conditions
Brendan and his girlfriend Jess, a couple visiting from Visalia, described the surf as “big and aggressive.” Jess admitted she swam in the ocean despite the conditions, while Brendan noted, “It felt a little dangerous because the shallow break sent a lot of water at you all at once.”
Safety reminders
The city lifeguard team, working in coordination with the Harbor Patrol and Santa Barbara City Fire Department, urges the public to remain extra cautious this holiday weekend. Large sets can appear as far as twenty minutes apart, so swimmers should stay close to lifeguard stations, heed posted warnings, and never turn their backs on the ocean.
Looking ahead
Officials expect the surf to subside as the storm moves farther offshore, but they will keep lifeguard towers fully staffed through the weekend. Residents are encouraged to monitor local weather updates and follow any advisories issued by the City of Santa Barbara’s Public Safety Department.
For real‑time information on beach conditions, visit the City of Santa Barbara’s official website or follow the local news outlets covering the Labor Day weekend.
Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.
