Big beach crowd expected

Steady waves and big crowds are expected to hit the beaches this weekend.

High temperatures will likely drive people to the beach, but it won’t be anything like the busy Memorial Day weekend, officials said.

Newport Beach lifeguards reported about 45,000 people at the beach Friday and are gearing up for even more this weekend, Newport Beach Lifeguard Battalion Chief Jim Turner said.

The south swell that brought larger-than-average waves to Orange County beaches throughout the week will taper off this afternoon but will continue to bring waves between 3 and 5 feet, said Charlie Fox, Surfline director of forecasting.

With steady waves, the continuing south swell will also bring strong rip currents, so beachgoers should be careful, Fox said.

Temperatures at the beach will reach the low to mid-70s, and the warm weather will hold throughout the weekend, National Weather Service forecaster Miguel Miller said.dpt-03-weather-dl-CPhotoInfo101RK6HK20060603j09filncDON LEACH / DAILY PILOT(LA)A surfer can only watch as a big set rolls in near the Wedge on Friday. Waves will be good sized, and weather will be pleasant this weekend. See Surf and Sun on Page A4.