So you showed up early, claim your spot on the sand and wait for the big fireworks show to start over the sea.
But the ocean is creeping near, threatening to gobble up the area you’ve claimed. Or worse, a big wave slams and soaks all your stuff.
If you’re headed to the beach for the Fourth of July, there’s a few things to be aware of for the holiday.
First off, it’s going to be crowded. Parking will be scarce everywhere, with people showing up early in the morning to nab all-day spots.
Speaking of parking, expect to pay more than you would on a regular day – holiday prices spike at some beaches through the weekend. At the Huntington Beach city beach lots, for example, the cost rises to $25 for an all-day spot.
And if you’re hoping to grab one of the coveted fire rings, make sure you get up extra early to nab one. People come out before the sun rises to stake claim to a pit. Don’t think plopping down a few beach chairs and cooler will keep your spot, as people will gladly move your stuff and take it as their own if there’s not a warm body there protecting it.
Now for the sand.
At noon, the area near the waterline looks prime for watching the fireworks, but don’t be fooled, that’s when low tide is expected.
Through the afternoon, the water will slowly creep up and you’ll have to pick up your stuff, likely squeezing onto the people behind you.
High tide is expected at 6:30 p.m. and is a 5.2, a pretty big tide swing that will shrink the sand space, in some areas to just a sliver. With many local beaches experiencing severe erosion recently, some beaches will have no beach left to spare.
The tide drops after that, but should still at 3.5 feet when most firework shows start at 9 p.m., so pick your spot wisely.
The high tides will have an extra push from a big swell expected to bring 4-foot to 5-foot surf to the region. Last year, when high tides and swell combined, Balboa Peninsula flooded, leaving people stuck and stranded for hours as workers tried to pump the seawater out of the streets and beach lots.
And, last year the beaches were closed due to the coronavirus pandemic, so there weren’t big crowds to rush off the beach with the flooding. While it’s unknown if Mother Nature will again flood the area – conditions are milder this year than last – it could happen, so be prepared.
The big waves aren’t just a flooding danger. If you want to get in the water, be warned of strong surf and rip currents with the beefy swell expected at south-facing beaches.
The National Weather Service issued a “Beach Hazard Statement” for Saturday morning through Tuesday evening.
Rock jetties may not be the best place to watch the fireworks – they are an area you could get drenched, or worse, the Weather Service warns. “Larger waves can wash people off rocks and jetties.”