A sunny day at the beach can turn deadly in seconds when the Pacific Ocean decides to flex its muscles. Starting tomorrow, the water along our coast will become a danger zone for anyone who isn't paying close attention.

WHAT HAPPENED

According to the National Weather Service in Oxnard, a Beach Hazards Statement is in effect from Saturday afternoon through Monday morning. The alert covers the coastlines of both Ventura and Santa Barbara counties.

Forecasters say we should expect elevated surf and "rip currents" that are strong enough to pull even the best swimmers deep into the ocean. There is also a specific warning for people to stay off rock jetties, as unexpected waves can wash a person right off the stones and into the crashing surf.

High tides between 7:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday will be the most risky times. During these hours, the water could push high enough to cause minor flooding and eat away at the sand on local beaches.

WHAT THE EVIDENCE SHOWS

Saturday PM to Monday AM is the official window for the hazard alert.

• 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM is the peak time for high tides and possible flooding.
• 2 counties, Ventura and Santa Barbara, are under the warning.
• 1 specific warning was issued to stay off rock jetties and sea walls.
• 0 feet is the safe distance to be near a rip current without a lifeguard nearby.

We see these warnings often, but do we take them seriously enough? Many people think they can outswim a current or time the waves on the rocks, but "rogue waves" don't follow a schedule.

The story behind the story is about how quickly our local landscape can change. With beach erosion on the rise, these high-tide events are becoming more than just a nuisance—they are slowly reshaping our coastline and threatening the homes and roads built right next to the sand.

Some surfers and experienced swimmers look forward to "elevated surf" as a chance to catch bigger waves. They might argue that the ocean is always dangerous and that this warning is just a standard precaution for tourists.

However, the National Weather Service doesn't issue these statements for normal waves. The evidence of powerful rip currents means that even if you stay on the sand, the water can pull the ground from under your feet. The argument for "business as usual" at the beach is very risky when the experts are telling people to keep their distance.

WHAT HAPPENS NOW

If you have plans to visit the beach in Oxnard or Ventura this weekend, the safest move is to stay near a lifeguard tower. If no lifeguard is on duty, it is best to stay out of the water entirely.

Local officials will be watching for flooding in low-lying areas during the evening high tides. For regular people, this might be the perfect weekend to skip the salt water and head to a local pool instead.

WHAT WE STILL DON'T KNOW

Will the high surf cause any permanent damage to local piers or walkways?

• Is this a one-time event or the start of a more active storm season?
• How many extra lifeguards will be on duty to handle the increased risk?

SOURCE NOTE: Based on a Beach Hazards Statement from the National Weather Service (NWS) Los Angeles/Oxnard. All safety guidelines are recommendations , stay alert to local conditions.