Rogue wave sends people fleeing along Ventura shoreline; 8 injured

Summary

In Ventura, a rogue wave caught beachgoers off guard, leading to a chaotic scene where people were seen running for their lives as the powerful surge chased them more than a block away. The incident was captured on a phone, showing individuals being knocked off their feet by the unexpected wave. First responders reported that eight people were hospitalized due to injuries sustained from the wave. The city of Oxnard announced the closure of public beaches over the weekend due to the unusually high surf, which has been a cause for concern for long-time residents. Water rescue crews saved nearly a dozen people, and a state lifeguard was seen being pulled out of the water. The high tides, while ideal for surfers, have proven dangerous for others, with emergency vehicles being called out multiple times. High tides also caused flooding in streets near the sea in Ventura County, leaving a sandy mess for residents to clean up as they brace for more high surf advisory days.

Takeaways

• 🌊 **Rogue Wave Danger**: People at the beach in Ventura were caught off guard by a rogue wave, causing panic and danger.
• 🏃 **People Knocked Over**: The wave knocked several people off their feet, highlighting the power of the ocean even in seemingly safe areas.
• 📱 **Captured on Camera**: A man recorded the incident on his phone, showing the sudden rush of water that chased people down the street.
• 🚑 **Hospitalizations**: Eight people were taken to hospitals due to injuries sustained from the rogue wave.
• 🏖️ **Beach Closures**: The city of Oxnard announced the closure of public beaches for safety reasons, due to the unusually high surf.
• 🌊 **Unprecedented Waves**: Long-time residents have not seen waves this large, with some reaching over 15 feet at high tide.
• 🧗 **Rescue Efforts**: Nearly a dozen people were saved by water rescue crews, and a state lifeguard was also pulled out of the water.
• 🏄 **Surfer's Dream, Swimmer's Nightmare**: High tides provided excellent conditions for surfers but posed a significant risk to others.
• 🚨 **Emergency Responses**: Emergency vehicles were called to the scene multiple times throughout the day to respond to the high surf and its effects.
• 🚗 **Street Flooding**: High tides caused streets near the sea in Ventura County to flood, with one car seen struggling to navigate the water.
• 🏠 **Property Concerns**: Residents expressed concern about the potential for water damage, with some homes at risk of flooding.
• 🛑 **Safety Measures**: It was emphasized that personal safety is paramount, advising against going into the water and challenging the powerful waves.

Q & A

What was the situation at the beach in Ventura?

People were standing at the edge of a beach in Ventura, unaware of the real danger posed by a rogue wave. Some ran away, while others were knocked off their feet by the powerful wave.

How did the people at the beach react to the rogue wave?

People at the beach reacted by running for their lives as the rushing water chased them for more than a block. A man was recording the incident on his phone.

What was the impact of the high surf on the local community?

The high surf had a significant impact on the community, with eight people being taken to hospitals due to injuries. Additionally, high tides caused flooding in streets near the sea in Ventura County.

What measures did the city of Oxnard take in response to the high surf?

The city of Oxnard announced that they would be closing public beaches from Friday through Sunday to ensure public safety.

How did the local residents describe the waves they experienced?

Long-time residents described the waves as unprecedented, with one individual mentioning 15-plus-foot waves at high tide, which they had never seen in their ten years of living there.

Were there any rescue operations conducted during the incident?

Yes, water rescue crews saved nearly a dozen people in Ventura. A state lifeguard was also seen being pulled out of the water just south of the pier.

What was the situation for fishermen and emergency responders in Oxnard Harbor?

The situation was very sketchy with very high waves, leading to emergency vehicles being called out multiple times throughout the day for an overboard fisherman.

What kind of damage did the high tides cause in Ventura County?

High tides washed out the streets near the sea in Ventura County, causing a car to struggle to navigate Mandalay Beach Road. Some people even resorted to paddleboarding down the same flooded street.

How did the flooding affect the local residents' homes?

The flooding left a wet, sandy mess for residents to clean up. One resident mentioned that their house, which was four feet above the ground, could be in trouble if water were to reach them.

What precautions did the residents take in response to the high surf advisory?

Residents were advised to be safe and avoid going into the water to challenge the high surf with boats or other watercraft.

What was the general sentiment among the residents regarding the high surf?

The sentiment was one of caution and concern, with residents acknowledging the need to prioritize safety and avoid unnecessary risks in the face of the powerful waves.

What was the aftermath of the flooding in terms of cleanup and preparation for future high surf?

The aftermath involved residents cleaning up the wet, sandy mess left by the flooding and preparing for a couple more days with a high surf advisory.