Beach hazard statement in place for Monterey County during rise in temperatures and visitors

MONTEREY COUNTY, Calif. (KION-TV)- For those heading out to the coast be cautious of the beach hazard statement thats in affect Wednesday and Thursday.

"We came here 10:00, and it was a little bit chilly, but now it's getting nice and warmer," says a visitor from Gilroy at Sand City Beach

With areas in Monterey County reaching triple digit heat, the ocean was calling Zelenia Gonzalezs name.

"It's super hot right now," says Zelenia Gonzalez who lives in Salinas. "We thought it was going to be kind of similar weather, but it's a little bit colder here but it is pretty nice."

As temperatures and the number of people at the beach rises, lifeguards have been going up to people warning them of the current beach conditions.

"He was telling us where to be aware of the rip currents who are and where it was safe to be. So we're kind of seeing it where we stay or we moved down to, like, the wharf area," says Gonzalez.

The beach hazard statement will be in affect Wednesday and Thursday. During this time breaking waves of 15-20 feet are expected.

The National Weather Service says unexpected waves can sweep people into the sea from rocks jetties and beaches.

"The high tides that are really hard to get in and out of and difficult for us to even access to get people if they if they need help," says Byran Kine, a Lifeguard Supervisor for California State Parks. "So making sure that you know what the tides are doing, know what the swell is doing before you go out in the water."

According to California State Parks, all five guard towers in Monterey County are fully staffed.

"Their job is to be out there and see what the hazards are and let the public know what's going on. We're out there pretty much all day, every day, watching,"

Kline says if you plan on going to the beach, he recommends to be near a Lifeguard tower in case of an emergency.

The NWS is reminding people to keep a close eye on children during this beach hazard statement, and to never turn your back on the ocean.