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Baja Hurricane Bringing Big Waves To LA

MALIBU (CBSLA.com) — The first major hurricane of the season spinning off the Baja California coast means big waves for our beaches.

Surfers like Bailey Pittard are excited for the swell but high surf advisories issued warn of dangerous rip currents and larger breaking waves up to 8 feet.

"You can feel the energy it's getting warmer right now," Pittard said.

Just last week, a missing swimmer's body was recovered off Rancho Palos Verdes. Back in March another person tragically drowned in Huntington Beach. It's a reminder the place we go to beat the heat can also be dangerous.

Joe Bartnicki works at Malibu Makos Surf Camp. It's one of the many camps at Zuma Beach where kids learn to ride waves and be safe in the ocean. He says despite the warnings camp will go on as usual this week.

"Everyday under that black tent there we have a safety meeting and we talk to them about safety every single day," Bartnicki said.

Aloha Beach campers down the way can tell the waves are bigger.

"Yes there's a big difference," one of the campers said.  "They keep us safe like we have to stay near them so that makes me more comfortable."

And even experienced surfers are ready for whatever hurricane Eugene has to bring.

"I get excited. Hopefully it's good. That's what I'm hoping for," Pittard said.

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