Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

Today, Dec. 23, at 9:47 a.m., the National Weather Service (NWS) issued a Coastal Hazard Message, warning of a High Surf Warning in effect until 10 p.m. tonight. This alert applies to the coastal areas of Del Norte, Humboldt, and Mendocino Counties.

Humboldt County Sheriff’s deputies responded to two separate calls for service today—one at Trinidad State Beach and one at Moonstone Beach—where individuals were at risk of drowning after being swept into the water. All four individuals involved in these incidents were safely removed from the water and are in stable condition.

The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office urges residents to avoid beach areas, as breaking waves can sweep people off jetties and docks into dangerous seas. The NWS has warned of life-threatening surf conditions and significant beach erosion.

For more information on weather and hazard warnings, go to the National Weather Service.