Memorial Day here in Southern California typically marks the unofficial start of summer, a chance to dust off the swim suits, hang with friends over a beach barbecue or bonfire and enjoy what the region is best known for – the beach.

Here’s some need-to-know info you’re hitting the coast this weekend.

Mild weather

Weather will be pretty mild this weekend with coastal temps in the lower 70s and a coastal overcast that is expected to clear for more sunny skies on Monday.

“Weather is going to be not really too much of a factor – ‘normal-ish’ temperature,” said Mike Wofford, meteorologist for the National Weather Service Los Angeles branch.

“It’s going to be breezy,” said James Brotherton, a meteorologist for NWS who covers the region further south, noting the strongest winds look like they’ll show on Sunday.

Visitors to the Manhattan beach pier watch surfers ride waves. Know your limits if heading the beach this weekend and stay on dry land, especially on Monday, May 30, 2022 as a new swell fills in. (File photo/SCNG)

Strong surf

There’s some sizable surf heading toward Southern California, building Sunday and strongest on Monday before slowly tapering off on Tuesday.

Surf, especially at south-facing beaches, will be strong by Monday, up to 3- to 5-feet in some areas, even larger at the Wedge in Newport Beach.

“Talk to a lifeguard to help determine the conditions, stay where you can touch if you’re not an experienced swimmer, shuffle your feet for sting rays and swim near a lifeguard,” Newport Beach Battalion Chief Adam Yacenda advised.

The department staffed up for the weekend accordingly, as much as they can this time of year with some seasonal staff still in school, he said.

“It kind of marks the beginning for the summer season,” he said. “We won’t be at the full level of staffing until June 11. We’re staffing up to the best of our ability. But wherever you go, you will be walking distance to a manned tower or truck.”

In the Los Angeles area, west-facing beaches could see 4- to 6-feet waves, with some 7-foot sets, Wofford said.

Los Angeles County Lifeguard Fire Department spokesperson Pono Barnes said they expected a busy weekend and all the towers are being staffed with rescue units and trucks patrolling the sand and surf.

“The best piece of advice is to swim near an open lifeguard tower,” he said. “If you’re unsure of your ability, check with the lifeguards and they can suggest an area with better conditions for your ability. Swim, surf and bodyboard within your abilities,” Barnes said.

A lifeguard pulls a teen from a rip current at Huntington Beach. With a beefy swell expected on Monday, May 30, holiday revelers should beware of dangers. (File photo Cindy Yamanaka / SCNG)

Beware of the rips

With elevated surf comes strong rip currents that can suck an unsuspected beachgoer out to sea.

“We recommend if you get caught in a rip, the first thing to do is stay calm, float and wave your hands for help,” Barnes said.

If you’re strong enough to swim, go parallel to the shore to get out of the rip before making your way to shore.

“But most often than not, the lifeguard will see that you’re about to get pulled into a rip current,” Barnes said, “and we’ll come prevent you before you even get pulled out.”

Keep it clean

As more people have sought out safe open space in recent years, beaches have been trashed with liter left behind – so make sure if you keep the coast clear.

Newport Beach this week is launching a new anti-litter campaign that will run through Labor Day, according to the city.

The theme of the campaign is “Make a Splash, Pick up Trash: Keep Newport Beach Beautiful,” reads an announcement.

One reason behind the anti-litter campaign is to create education and awareness.

“Our city crews and contractors do a great job of cleaning and maintaining our public spaces, but they can’t be everywhere, at all times,” the announcement reads. “One of the goals of this campaign is to create awareness and remind everyone that all of us – residents, business owners, visitors and city government – need to work together to “Keep Newport Beach Beautiful.”

Free entry for military

Veterans, active and reserve military members get free entry to California State Parks on Monday, May 30.

For Southern California, that means saving at least on the $15 parking pass fee to get into State Parks beaches like Leo Carrillo north of Malibu and Will Rogers to the south, and several in Orange County such as Bolsa Chica, Huntington State Beach, Doheny State Beach and San Onofre.

“To honor the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country, State Parks is offering military individuals complimentary admission to some of the most amazing places within California’s State Park System,” said California State Parks Director Armando Quintero in a statement. “Thank you for your service.”

Veterans, active duty and reserve military personnel must show a valid military ID or proof of discharge other than dishonorable or bad conduct, in order to receive the free admission.

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