Expect big waves and rip currents this weekend

Strong surf and rip currents at local beaches are expected over Labor Day weekend as crowds flock to the sand to celebrate the end of summer.

The National Weather Service issued a beach hazard advisory Friday in preparation for a southwest swell, which is expected to hit Orange County’s coast by Saturday morning.

The large surf should be over by Tuesday night.

The elevated surf and strong rip currents, which are expected to create the most impact on south-facing beaches, are products of a storm off the coast of New Zealand, according to the advisory.

Large surf is expected to build late Saturday and peak Sunday with waves ranging from 5 to 11 feet at popular surfing spots like the Wedge and 56th Street in Newport Beach. Surf along Huntington State Beach is expected to reach 6 feet.

Officials caution swimmers that rip currents, which typically are stronger and more common near jetties, inlets and piers, will be present during the large surf.

Swimmers caught in a rip current should not panic and instead swim parallel to the coast to get out of the current before trying to swim ashore, according to the advisory.

Lifeguards urge swimmers to understand ocean conditions before entering the water so that they don’t overestimate their abilities and to always swim near a guard.