Dangerous surf, rip currents expected along Malibu coast through Tuesday

By The Malibu Times · Sat Sep 05 2026

Beachgoers are being urged to use extreme caution along the Malibu coast this Labor Day weekend as powerful swells generated by Tropical Cyclone Marie bring dangerous surf, potentially life-threatening rip currents and the threat of coastal flooding through Tuesday.

The National Weather Service Los Angeles/Oxnard has issued a High Surf Advisory and Coastal Flood Advisory for the Malibu coast from 6 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 5, through 11 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8.

Forecasters expect large breaking waves of 5 to 8 feet, with local sets reaching as high as 10 feet. The largest waves are expected along south-facing beaches. Dangerous and potentially life-threatening rip currents are also expected.

Marie is expected to remain well offshore of Southern California, but a growing southerly swell associated with the tropical system will continue to affect the coastline through the holiday weekend and into early next week. The National Weather Service said the storm could also bring showers to Los Angeles and Ventura counties, particularly Sunday.

The City of Malibu issued its own beach advisory, warning residents and visitors that the conditions pose an increased risk of drowning, particularly for inexperienced swimmers and surfers.

Rip currents can rapidly pull swimmers and surfers away from shore, while powerful breaking waves can knock people from beaches and rocks and capsize small vessels operating near shore. Sneaker waves, beach erosion and debris in the water are additional hazards.

The National Weather Service is also warning of moderate coastal flooding. High tides combined with the incoming swell could result in ocean water moving onto vulnerable beaches, beach access areas and low-lying coastal locations. High tides are forecast to increase throughout the weekend, reaching approximately 6.3 feet Saturday evening, 6.7 feet Sunday evening, 7 feet Monday evening and 7.2 feet Tuesday evening.

Officials are strongly encouraging people to stay out of the ocean during the hazardous conditions. Anyone entering the water should remain near an occupied lifeguard tower and speak with lifeguards about current conditions before entering.

Parents are urged not to allow children to play in or near the water unsupervised, and beachgoers should stay off rocks and jetties, where large waves can unexpectedly sweep people into the ocean.

The warning comes after Los Angeles County beaches experienced another major high-surf event in late July. During the weekend of July 24, extreme heat brought millions of visitors to area beaches at the same time a Southern Hemisphere swell produced elevated surf and powerful rip currents. Los Angeles County Fire Department lifeguards reported performing more than 1,500 ocean rescues during that event.

Malibu's coastline has also experienced significant erosion this summer. Westward Beach Road beyond the pay gate and the Point Dume Beach parking lot were closed in August following erosion caused by high tides and surf.

The National Weather Service advises people to remain out of the water during dangerous surf conditions or stay close to occupied lifeguard towers. Beachgoers should never turn their backs on the ocean and should stay off rocks and jetties.

Residents and visitors should continue monitoring changing beach and weather conditions throughout the holiday weekend.