Strong Winds Could Cause Ocean Swells For Thanksgiving Surf

The National Park Service sent a press release warning beach visitors to be sure planning trips to the beaches over the Thanksgiving holiday take appropriate precautions.

The National Weather Service has issued a "coastal hazard statement" for Northern California beaches on Thanksgiving Day. People visiting Golden Gate National Recreation Area, especially Ocean Beach, Fort Funston and Rodeo Beach, need to be extremely cautious. It is estimated that there can be waves as high as 10 feet, occasional "sneaker waves" and strong rip tides.

Anyone planning to take a walk on the beach or go fishing should expect higher-than-normal surf, as a seasonal swell is forecast to hit Bay Area coastlines this week.

Do not turn your back on the water. Keep children and dogs a safe distance from the water.

It was a year ago this week that three people lost their lives trying to rescue their dog from a sneaker wave in Humboldt County. The dog got out of the water on his own. 
Remember, if you are walking with your dog on the beach, dogs are built much better for swimming than humans. The best suggestion is to keep your dog away from the surf during these high surf events. If your dog does get swept by a sneaker wave it is best for you to keep your eye on them and call their name so they know which direction to swim. Do not go in after them.
       
Strong winds developing over the Pacific Ocean off of Northern California are causing the swell.
           
The hazard statement — which is less serious than a high-surf warning or advisory — was issued to make the public aware of unusual and potentially dangerous conditions.