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Beachgoers Warned About Dangerous Rip Currents During July 4 Weekend

SANTA MONICA (CBSLA.com) — Lifeguards are warning Southland beachgoers about the potential for dangerous rip currents during the holiday weekend.

Los Angeles County Lifeguard Capt. Eric Albertson said hundreds of people will likely be rescued on the Fourth of July for numerous reasons.

The main concern is the expected strong rip currents, which can take a swimmer far out to sea.

Albertson said a person should not swim against a rip current but parallel to the shore.

"Outside of the rip currents, the waves are pushing to shore, moving you in, as opposed to where the rip current is pulling you out," he said.

Albertson said an individual should stay close to the shore where they can stand if they're not a good swimmer.

The Schumachers, who are visiting from Wisconsin, plan on going to the beach this weekend.

"I know there are a lot of risks ... swimming out into the ocean," Brianne Schumacher said.

The couple said it helps knowing that 350 lifeguards will be on duty throughout the county over the next few days.

"I'm very happy to know that there are lifeguards on duty this weekend," Kenneth Schumacher said.

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