The National Weather Service has issued a beach hazard warning for most of the Bay Area, stretching from Sonoma County to Monterey, as Pacific storm activity churns up the risk of sneaker waves and strong rip currents. The statement, which remains in effect until Wednesday, follows a weekend of d angerous conditions. Authorities are pointing to a dramatic video from Seabright Beach in Santa Cruz — where a state beach lifeguard is seen hanging onto a 10-year-old in the rough surf — as exactly the type of situation they want the public to avoid. In response to the hazard, the San Francisco Fire Department conducted a previously scheduled beach rescue training near the Golden Gate Bridge that proved especially timely. “It may not be that deep but it can still pull you around and pull you down,” San Francisco Fire Department spokesperson Samuel Machaca said. “That lifeguard did a great job. We don’t want to see that here in San Francisco, we want everyone to be safe.” Along Ocean Beach, beach patrols kept a close eye out for any trouble. Only a couple of surfers were spotted in the water, which Machaca noted is a pretty good indication that the waves are too choppy and not worth the risk. San Francisco resident Sally Magnuson said it was a nice day to feel the warm sand, but not to get in the water. “For me, I know that Ocean Beach is a little bit more aggressive,” Magnuson said. “And I wouldn’t like, bring my friends from out of town to experience the Pacific here.” However, Sam Clode and his friends, visiting from North Carolina, really wanted to be in the Pacific and decided to brave the surf. “It was fun,” Clode said. “I can see why people should maybe be a little hesitant. But, I think if you’re a little more experienced, it shouldn’t be too terrible.” For those who do want to venture to any beach during the advisory, the fire department recommends traveling in pairs or a group so someone can call for help in an emergency. “If there is an emergency and you are down on the beach, know where you are, what stairwell you came in on, what cross street location,” Machaca said. ...read more read less