Warmer unseasonable temperatures draw beachgoers to the coast but water hazards are present
MONTEREY, Calif. (KION) Mother Nature has ordered summer-like whether for California this week with record high temperatures and plenty of sunshine; drawing beach-goers to the coast.
“I think the unusually warm weather this week is bringing people out to take the opportunity to to get to the beach and enjoy it,” said Alex Sedillos who was visiting Del Monte Beach on Wednesday evening.
However, the unseasonably warm temps also brings out-of-towners to the area, who may be unfamiliar with dangers present, like beach hazards such as sneaker waves and strong rip currents.
"There’s a lot of people who are not from around here, they don’t get that information. You know they’re not watching the news they’re on vacation,” Aaron Dominguez, visiting the beach with his family for the evening.
Another thing to be aware of, especially during the winter months, is the cold water temperature.
In an email response from Lieutenant Shane Gunderson, with U.S.Coast Guard Station Monterey, states, “Warm air temperatures do not translate to warm water temperatures. At approximately 54 degrees this week, the waters of Monterey remain dangerous.”
“I haven’t had an experience here at this beach and I’ve been surfing for a long time but yeah you defiantly feel it. You need to try and get out of the current, like break it instead of just going straight you have to go to the side. If you break the current you start going back in, but you can feel plenty yeah,” mentioned Gerardo Olivares.
In addition LT. Gunderson added, not having the proper equipment such as a lifejacket or wetsuit can make immersion in the cold waters dangerous.
Locals KION spoke to said when visiting the beaches, be safe, have fun, but use caution.
"If you have the opportunity to get out in great weather like this, take it, cause it doesn't often happen in the early or middle of February," said Sedillos. "Yeah we are really lucky and its a nice thing to share with people but, I guess never turn your back on the pacific ocean," added Deanna Venema.
