10-Foot Waves Sweep 27 Off Rocky Jetty On Beach

Storm-whipped waves that arched as high as 10 feet swept 27 people off a rocky jetty on this Southern California beach, leaving many with neck and back injuries.

Those toppled by two big waves that crashed the rocks at King Harbor included tourists, fishermen and children. All were rescued by lifeguards.

“Signs are posted all the time, but there are long lulls where nothing breaks and then something knocks you off,” said lifeguard Lt. Phil Topar.

“It’s quite a tumble - about 15 feet down to the big boulders. If you’re lucky you’ll end up in the ocean, but the water is 57 degrees,” Topar said.

Several people were treated at the site for bruises. Eight people were taken to a nearby hospital. Five were in stable condition.

The waves were blamed in part on a storm system that battered the Northern California coast with heavy rain. Dangerous riptides also were reported at Southern California beaches.