Southern California High Surf Expected To Escalate Through Tuesday

NEWPORT BEACH (CBSLA.com) — Newport Beach lifeguards warned of dangerous ocean conditions after a surfer was injured Sunday.

A large swell from the south hit Orange County beaches with 8-10-foot waves throughout the day, a lifeguard told CBS2/KCAL9. The waves are the result of a storm, currently hitting the coast of New Zealand.

"It's really strong, it's much more powerful than some of the Summer swells we get from hurricanes," Newport Beach Lifeguard Operations Chief Mike Halthide said. "It just has an intensity you just don't find at most beaches in Southern California."

One surfer was rescued and stabilized by lifeguards when large waves smashed along the East Harbor jetty, officials stated in a tweet. He was one of three individuals rescued through Sunday afternoon.

Wave height was measured at 10-feet at Newport Beach's "The Wedge", a popular boarding spot.

"It caught me off-guard," body-surfer Mark Burlingham said. "I got hit hard and it wasn't what I expected. It scared me."

Wave height was expected to increase throughout the day.

Lifeguards also warned that both the waves and their rip-currents were expected to escalate on Monday.