Hundreds need aid in Newport amid big weekend surf

Big surf led lifeguards to make hundreds of ocean rescues in Newport Beach over the weekend, especially Friday, authorities said.

Newport lifeguards made 261 rescues and provided 51 medical assists Friday through Sunday, including eight cases requiring hospital transports, said lifeguard Battalion Chief Mike Halphide. Friday was the busiest day, with 155 rescues, he said.

One of the patients was taken to a local hospital for treatment of a spinal injury, he added.

A surfer navigates a big wave generated from an outer reef over the weekend in Laguna Beach.

(Don Leach / Staff Photographer)

Halphide said a storm in the Southern Hemisphere created 6- to 8-foot sets Friday, with 12-footers at the Wedge surf spot. By Saturday, the sets had dropped to about 4 to 6 feet.

This month through Sunday, Newport lifeguards had made 900 rescues and provided 363 medical assists.

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