Two swimmers were rescued from dangerous rip currents near Venice Pier on Saturday, prompting a swift response from Los Angeles County Fire Department lifeguards. The incident occurred amid challenging ocean conditions that lifeguards said contributed to a high number of rescue operations over the weekend.

Adam Rose, a bystander who witnessed the events, described the rip currents as some of the most severe he had ever seen. He filmed the rescues and expressed relief that both swimmers were safely brought back to shore by lifeguards encountering the strong waves.

Pono Barnes, one of the lifeguards involved, commended the swimmers for remaining calm, noting that such composure is critical during rip current emergencies. “That was an awesome display of that beach patron or that beachgoer staying calm,” Barnes said.

The weekend saw thousands of ocean rescues across the area, a figure Barnes attributed to the rough conditions in the water. Lifeguards continue to urge swimmers to remain vigilant and follow safety guidelines to avoid getting caught in hazardous currents.