Memorial Day here in Southern California usually marks the unofficial start of summer, a time to dust off bathing suits, hang out with friends over a beach barbecue or a bonfire and enjoy what the area is best known for: the beach.

Here is some essential information on your arrival on the coast this weekend.

Nice weather

Weather will be fairly mild this weekend with coastal temperatures in the lower 70s and coastal overcast expected to clear for sunnier skies on Monday.

“Weather won’t really be too big of a factor – ‘normal’ temperature,” said Mike Wofford, meteorologist for the National Weather Service’s Los Angeles branch.

“It’s going to be windy,” said James Brotherton, an NWS meteorologist who covers the region further south, noting that the strongest winds appear to be on Sunday.

strong surf

There are significant waves heading towards Southern California, which strengthen on Sunday and are stronger on Monday before slowly decreasing on Tuesday.

The surf, especially on the south-facing beaches, will be strong by Monday, up to 3 to 5 feet in some areas, even more at the Wedge in Newport Beach.

“Speak to a lifeguard to help determine conditions, stay where you can touch if you’re not an experienced swimmer, shuffle your feet for stingrays and swim close to a lifeguard,” the battalion chief advised. of Newport Beach, Adam Yacenda.

The department has staffed up for the weekend accordingly, as much as it can at this time of year with some seasonal employees still at school, he said.

“It sort of marks the start of the summer season,” he said. “We won’t have full staffing levels until June 11. We staff to the best of our abilities. But wherever you go, you’ll be within walking distance of an inhabited tower or a truck.

In the Los Angeles area, west-facing beaches could see 4- to 6-foot waves, with some 7-foot sets, Wofford said.

Los Angeles County Rescuers Fire Department spokesman Pono Barnes said they expect a busy weekend and all towers have rescue units and trucks patrolling. in sand and waves.

“The best advice is to swim near an open watchtower,” he said. “If you are unsure of your ability, check with lifeguards and they may suggest an area with better conditions for your ability. Swim, surf and bodyboard according to your ability,” Barnes said.

Watch out for tears

With high waves, strong rip currents can suck an unsuspecting beachgoer out to sea.

“We recommend if you get caught in a tear, the first thing to do is stay calm, float up and wave your hands for help,” Barnes said.

If you’re strong enough to swim, go parallel to the shore to get out of the tear before heading to shore.

“But more often than not the lifeguard will see that you’re about to be pulled into a rip current,” Barnes said, “and we’ll come and warn you before you’re even pulled out.”

keep it clean

As more and more people have sought safe open spaces in recent years, beaches have been trashed with liters left behind – so be sure to keep the coast clear.

Newport Beach is kicking off a new anti-littering campaign this week that will run through Labor Day, according to the city.

The theme of the campaign is “Make a Splash, Pick Up the Litter: Keep Newport Beach Beautiful,” read one ad.

One of the reasons behind the anti-litter campaign is to create education and awareness.

“Our city crews and contractors are doing a great job of cleaning and maintaining our public spaces, but they can’t be everywhere, all the time,” the announcement reads. “One of the goals of this campaign is to raise awareness and remind everyone that all of us – residents, business owners, visitors and city government – must work together to ‘Keep Newport Beach Beautiful.’

Free entry for soldiers

Veterans, active and reserve military members enjoy free admission to California State Parks on Monday, May 30.

For Southern California, that means saving at least the $15 parking fee to access beaches at state parks like Leo Carrillo north of Malibu and Will Rogers to the south, and several in Orange County. such as Bolsa Chica, Huntington State Beach, Doheny State Beach and San Onofre.

“To honor the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country, State Parks is offering military members free admission to some of the most amazing places in California’s state park system,” said the Director of California State Parks, Armando Quintero, in a statement. . “Thank you for your service.”

Veterans, active duty, and reserve military personnel must present valid military ID or proof of discharge other than dishonorable or improper conduct in order to receive free admission.