Lifeguards in San Diego have warned the public to avoid entering the water at Windansea Beach after powerful rip currents triggered multiple mass rescues, with fears that swimmers could be swept to their deaths. The popular beach, normally known for its surf breaks and underwater reefs, has become hazardous as Hurricane Genevieve churns off the Pacific coast, whipping up dangerously large swells.

The National Weather Service has issued a beach hazards statement covering all San Diego beaches, in effect until Wednesday afternoon, warning of breaking waves as high as nine feet. Marine Lieutenant Charlie Knight told local broadcaster KUSI that lifeguards had already carried out more than 107 rescues as conditions worsened.