Sneaker wave advisory on California beaches until August 1st, 2026

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The National Weather Service issued active beach hazards statements along the California coast, warning of dangerous sneaker waves, strong rip currents, and breaking waves up to 12 feet high. 

Current Warnings and Affected Areas

Active Advisory: Extended through Saturday, August 1, 2026.
Regions Covered: Pacific-facing beaches from Sonoma County down through Monterey County, including the San Francisco shoreline, Pacifica, Santa Cruz, and Stinson Beach.
Primary Causes: Long-period south/southwest swells generated by tropical storm activity in the eastern Pacific. 

Safety Rules

Never turn your back on the ocean: Sneaker waves arrive suddenly after long periods of deceptively calm water.
Stay off rocks and jetties: Avoid outcroppings, piers, and low-lying coastal infrastructure where a single surge can sweep you into deep water.
Keep a safe distance: Stay much farther back from the wet sand and avoid the shoreline entirely until the advisory expires. 

If you would like, I can share the local tide schedule or check for updated marine forecasts for your specific coastal spot in Monterey County.

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