NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. - Southern California lifeguards have rescued more than 500 swimmers already this weekend, thanks to high surf and dangerous rip currents. Thousands of people have flooded the beaches across Southern California for the 4th of July weekend.

Many beachgoers enjoying the waters off Newport Beach on the July Fourth holiday were in for a rude awakening. Lifeguards rescued 350 people Friday after the surf turned dangerous. In one instance, multiple people were rescued from a “monster rip current,” according to social media posts from Newport Beach Lifeguards.

As Tropical Storm Chantal weakens inland, the impacts on our beaches linger into Monday. Swells generated by the storm continue to roll in from the Atlantic, and that means a higher risk for dangerous rip currents, especially along our south and east-facing beaches.