Southern California beaches have seen dangerous surf and rip currents linked to El Niño swells, prompting Los Angeles County lifeguards to carry out nearly 2,000 ocean rescues this summer. The figures underline how quickly apparently shallow, calm-looking water can become hazardous, particularly for children and inexperienced swimmers.

One recent incident involved a 10-year-old boy at Seabright State Beach in Santa Cruz, who was pulled into the sea after losing his footing in ankle-deep water. Sixteen-year-old California State Parks lifeguard Ryder Williams radioed for assistance and entered the water to rescue him during the 25 July emergency.