Santa Cruz Warns: Warm Weekend Brings Sneaker Waves and Strong Currents

As a heatwave draws more people to the coast, Santa Cruz lifeguards logged 34 rescues and nearly 5,850 preventative contacts over a weekend as sneaker waves and dangerous rip currents persisted; officials say most drownings occur at unguarded beaches, urge beachgoers to stay near lifeguard towers and call 911 if needed, and remind the public that the viral Seabright rescue underscores the sea’s unpredictability (the incident also drew a White House invitation for the 16-year-old lifeguard).