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Heat, Big Waves Expected To Draw Large Crowds To Beaches This Holiday Weekend

SANTA MONICA (CBSLA.com) Big waves and summer-like heat is expected to draw large crowds to southland beaches this holiday weekend.

But CBS2's Michele Gile reports the waves might be too big for inexperienced surfers and swimmers. Officials said there will be high surf advisories up and down the coast in LA and Orange County through Sunday.

Many beaches will also have extra lifeguards on duty to handle the larger-than-normal crowds.

Surf's up, it's Friday and temperatures feel like summer -- in February. Gile had no trouble finding enthusiastic beachgoers today and many vowed to be back in the coming days.

"We're enjoying it while we have it," said Carl Binder. "It could be raining next week or all next month, so you just don't know. You have to take advantage of it when it's nice."

Hudson Van Allen was visiting the beach from Portland.

"And what are your friends doing back home?," Gile asked.

"They are freezing, studying up, yeah, you know -- just working," Van Allen said. "And I'm over here living the dream."

Gile also spoke to Riverside families lucky enough to snag three spots at the El Morro camp grounds. They were looking forward to celebrating both Valentine's Day and President's Day weekend.

"We do donuts on the beach for breakfast at least once while we're at the beach, and we do pot luck dinners and we just let the kids play and hang out," said Melissa Smith, "And just have a good time."

The crowd was estimated at Newport Beach Friday to be about 25,000 and on Sunday, when it's even hotter, they expect 30,000+.

 

 

 

 

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