Marie surf eases along Malibu coast, but dangerous rip currents remain Friday

By The Malibu Times · Fri Sep 11 2026

Beach Hazards Statement expires as waves diminish, but National Weather Service warns life-threatening rip currents remain likely

The powerful surf that battered Malibu's coastline this week is continuing to subside Friday, but the National Weather Service is warning beachgoers not to let calmer-looking conditions create a false sense of security as a high risk of dangerous rip currents remains along the coast. The National Weather Service's Beach Hazards Statement for the Malibu Coast expired at midnight Thursday night after remaining in effect through much of the week. The earlier High Surf Advisory and Coastal Flood Advisory associated with Marie also expired Tuesday night and have not been reissued.

Despite the expiration of those advisories, the latest National Weather Service Los Angeles/Oxnard Surf Zone Forecast continues to classify the rip-current risk as high through Friday, meaning life-threatening rip currents are likely. Surf along the Malibu Coast and Los Angeles County beaches is forecast at 2 to 4 feet Friday, down significantly from the height of the Marie swell earlier in the week. On Monday, the NWS had forecast waves of 5 to 8 feet with local sets reaching as high as 12 feet.

Water temperatures are running between approximately 75 and 77 degrees, according to the latest surf forecast.

Conditions are expected to improve further Saturday, when the National Weather Service forecasts the rip-current risk dropping from high to moderate, with surf remaining around 2 to 4 feet. A moderate designation means life-threatening rip currents remain possible, even though they are expected to be less widespread or intense than during the high-risk period.

The improving forecast comes after an extraordinary stretch of weather and ocean conditions in Malibu that included powerful surf, unusually high tides, rain, lightning, extreme heat and significant coastal erosion.

At the height of the swell earlier this week, waves of 5 to 8 feet with local sets as high as 12 feet were forecast along the Malibu and Los Angeles County coast. The combination of surf and high tides prompted both High Surf and Coastal Flood advisories.

Malibu beaches were also temporarily closed Sunday because of lightning as storms moved through the area.

Sea Level Drive emergency remains

Although the immediate surf threat is diminishing, Malibu continues to deal with damage left behind by the coastal event.

The City of Malibu's emergency alert for Sea Level Drive remains active following the large sinkhole and roadway collapse near Point Lechuza that occurred Tuesday morning.

The collapse followed days of high surf and coastal erosion and damaged access along the private road. The City subsequently declared a local emergency and issued evacuation orders because the loss of roadway access prevented residents and emergency personnel from safely reaching affected homes.

The City reported Wednesday that there had been no major overnight expansion of the sinkhole and that officials continued assessing safety while coordinating with partner agencies and the homeowners association on repairs.

Westward Beach Road beyond the pay gate and the Point Dume Beach parking lot also remain closed until further notice because of beach erosion.

Ocean safety remains important

While Friday's waves may appear substantially calmer than earlier in the week, rip currents can remain dangerous after the most visible effects of a large swell have diminished.

Rip currents are powerful channels of water moving away from shore that can quickly carry swimmers into deeper water. The National Weather Service's high-risk designation means life-threatening currents are considered likely Friday.

If the forecast holds, Saturday should bring the most significant improvement yet, with the rip-current risk dropping to moderate and surf remaining in the 2- to 4-foot range.

Beachgoers should swim near occupied lifeguard towers, check conditions with lifeguards before entering the water andclosely supervise children near the shoreline.

The Malibu Times will continue monitoring National Weather Service forecasts, City of Malibu alerts and conditions along the coastline and will provide updates as additional information becomes available.