Hazardous surf conditions and “life-threatening conditions for beachgoers” prompted water rescues and beach closures Saturday near Capitola and Santa Cruz.
By 1 p.m., Capitola police sent out email and text alerts announcing that the Capitola Beach and Wharf were closed due to the dangerous conditions, including debris in the water.
“Multiple water rescues have already occurred,” the alert said. “Please help us keep you safe. Stay out of the water.”
Reports that surfers were in trouble hit emergency scanners around 9 a.m. Saturday, according to Mark Woodward, a Santa Cruz native and photographer who frequents the coast.
As huge waves broke around high tide, he said Central Fire and Harbor patrol responded to the intersection of East Cliff Drive and 38th Avenue — where emergency personnel helped rescue surfers trapped on a beach near Pleasure Point and Live Oak, an unincorporated area between Santa Cruz and Capitola.
By noon, Woodward said water rescues were being dispatched every few minutes, there was at least one call for an air ambulance, and fire department and harbor patrol crews were repeatedly telling people to get out of the water and off the beach through their loudspeakers.
Capitola police and city officials did not immediately respond to requests for information. No reports of fatalities or severe injuries had been publicly reported as of mid-afternoon Saturday.
While he loves documenting the coastline’s beauty, Woodward said he’s witnessed how dangerous it can be to underestimate the hazards of the ocean.
“The cliffs are nothing to mess around with,” Woodward said Saturday afternoon, explaining how he’s personally witnessed at least two deaths near Lighthouse Point. A few days ago, he posted scenes of the fire department recovering a body off of West Cliff Drive.
“Railings and fences are there for a reason, but in Santa Cruz along Cliff Drive, everybody jumps over to be closer to the water — it’s extremely dangerous,” he said.
“Life-threatening conditions for beachgoers” are expected to continue along the coast through 9 p.m. Monday, according to forecasts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. In addition to increased risk for sneaker waves and rip currents, breaking waves are expected to reach up to 20 feet along west-facing beaches.
“Breaking waves can sweep people and debris off jetties and docks, and into cold, dangerous seas with stronger currents than normal,” the report advised. “Follow the safety advice of local officials and never turn your back on the ocean!”
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
