The National Weather Service warned Tuesday, Sept. 8, of dangerous rip currents at South Bay beaches through Thursday evening, extending ocean hazards well past the Labor Day weekend.

The agency's Los Angeles/Oxnard office issued a Beach Hazards Statement at 1:34 p.m. Tuesday. The statement takes effect at 11 p.m. Tuesday and runs through Thursday evening for all Los Angeles County beaches, including Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach and Redondo Beach.

The new advisory picks up where the Coastal Flood Advisory and High Surf Advisory leave off. Those earlier warnings, driven by Hurricane Marie's swell, expire at 11 p.m. Tuesday.

The weather service warned of an increased risk of ocean drowning. Rip currents are forecast to be widespread and very strong, with the potential to pull swimmers and surfers out to sea. Waves can wash people off beaches and rocks, the agency said. The highest-impact conditions are expected Tuesday night, with lesser but still dangerous conditions Wednesday through Thursday.

High tides near 7 feet are forecast each evening between 7 p.m. and 11 p.m. through the advisory period. Seawater pooling and increased beach erosion are also possible, according to the weather service.

As we reported Sept. 4, the earlier coastal flood advisory covered South Bay beaches through Tuesday evening after Hurricane Marie sent large swells toward the coast.

Water quality warning also in effect

The ocean hazards are compounded by a separate water quality concern. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health issued a rain advisory for all LA County beaches, in effect at least until 2 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 9. The department cautioned beachgoers to avoid water contact for at least 72 hours after significant rainfall.

The Los Angeles Times reported that about 1.25 inches of rain fell over the Labor Day weekend. The first rain of the season washes animal waste from storm drains into the ocean, raising bacteria levels.

NWS meteorologist Kristan Lund told the Times on Tuesday, Sept. 8: "As much as everyone wants to hop in the ocean because it's just so gross out, don't go for a swim, especially if you're not a strong swimmer."

How to stay safe

The weather service advised beachgoers to stay out of the water or remain near occupied lifeguard towers. Rock jetties can be deadly in these conditions, the agency said.

During the Labor Day weekend advisory, the Los Angeles County Fire Department urged beachgoers to check conditions with a lifeguard before entering the water and swim near an open lifeguard tower. The department also warned against going in the ocean alone and told people to stay away from piers, rocks and jetties, Patch reported.

Residents can monitor the latest advisories at weather.gov/lox. The county's beach water quality hotline is 1-800-525-5662.