From the Atlantic to the Pacific, beachgoers are being warned to stay out of the water as a surge of hazardous ocean conditions triggers advisories across U.S. coastlines this week. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued Beach Hazards Statements and Rip Current Statements for areas spanning Florida, the Carolinas, Oregon, and California.

Why It Matters

Dangerous surf and strong currents have created life-threatening situations at some of the nation’s most popular beach destinations. Authorities are advising swimmers and surfers alike to exercise extreme caution—or avoid the ocean altogether—due to rip currents, longshore currents, and “sneaker waves” capable of sweeping people into open water. The alerts arrive just as warm weather draws larger crowds to the beach.

Warnings against swimming in the ocean have been issued for California, Hawaii, Alabama, Florida and North Carolina. In South Carolina and Oregon, warnings advise swimmers and beachgoers to remain alert if they decide to venture into the water.

What to Know

A Beach Hazards Statement issued Monday by the NWS warned of “dangerous rip currents and strong longshore currents” along the North Carolina and South Carolina coasts.

“Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water,” the NWS stated in its advisory for New Hanover and Pender counties in North Carolina, and Georgetown County, South Carolina. The alert added that longshore currents “can sweep swimmers and surfers into rip currents, piers, jetties, and other hazardous areas,” posing a serious threat to those unaware of the water’s movement.

NWS warning coordination meteorologist Ron Morales, who works at the Charleston, South Carolina, office, told Newsweek that the dangerous ocean conditions are caused by gusty, southerly winds ahead of an approaching cold front. The winds, in combination with an ocean swell, will create the dangerous conditions.

The NWS is also cautioning beachgoers in Morehead City, North Carolina, about shore break, a dangerous condition that occurs when waves break directly on the beach.

“It is extremely important to protect your head and neck whenever you are in breaking waves by keeping your hands in front of you at all times,” the agency said.

In Florida, areas including Indian River and St. Lucie counties are experiencing “a northward flowing longshore current in the surf zone,” with a moderate risk of dangerous rip currents expected to persist through Monday night.

“Strong currents in the surf zone can pull swimmers into deeper water, as well as generate additional rip currents near piers, jetties, and reefs,” according to the NWS.

The West Coast is not exempt. The Oregon and northern California coastlines are under warnings for “sneaker waves,” large, unexpected swells that can surge up the beach far beyond the normal surf line. The waves “can suddenly knock people off their feet and quickly pull them into the frigid ocean,” the NWS said, adding that such conditions are capable of moving logs and debris across the shore.

The widespread alerts serve as a reminder of how unpredictable and forceful ocean conditions can become—even under sunny skies. In several warnings, the NWS specifically advised beach visitors to remain alert, keep a safe distance from breaking waves, and never turn their backs on the ocean.

What People Are Saying

NWS office in Newport, North Carolina, in a coastal hazard message: “Life-threatening rip currents. If caught in a rip current, remain calm. Swim in a direction following the shoreline. If tired, float or tread water until out of the rip current. If unable to escape, face the shore and call or wave for help.

The coastal hazard message added: “Shore break occurs when waves break directly on the beach. It is extremely important to protect your head and neck whenever you are in breaking waves by keeping your hands in front of you at all times.”

The NWS office in Honolulu, Hawaii, said in a coastal hazard message: “Strong breaking waves and strong currents will make swimming dangerous.”

What Happens Next

Most of the ocean-related warnings will expire by Monday evening or Tuesday morning, depending on the location. People going to the beaches impacted should check the NWS website for the latest ocean conditions.