Broad Beach’s vanishing act

Workers race to complete a wall of sandbags, rock and coverings, hoping to protect a Malibu beachfront yard and home from high tide expected the next morning.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Brendan O’Neal, who operates an ocean safety camp that brings children to Broad Beach and has frequented this stretch for many years, looks out at the Pacific during low tide -- which he says “will be the only time you can walk on this beach” because of the changes occurring.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

With high tides expected the next morning, crews bring in loads of big boulders with a crane to supplement sandbags at one beachfront home.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

A worker looks out at the Pacific near low tide the day before a high tide is expected to bring waves crashing into and over this wall in Malibu.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Workers watch during high tide as waves crash into and over a wall of sandbags and rock that was completed the day before in an effort to protect Malibu beachfront homes.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

With sandbags in place along Broad Beach in Malibu, waves do their thing during high tide.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Work crews are busy building wave barriers along Broad Beach to protect vulnerable homes from high tides and storm surges.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

One of several Broad Beach public access points is closed and underwater during high tide.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)