California State Parks issues underwater hazard warning along Carpinteria State Beach

CARPINTERIA, CALIF. - A floating tree branch is just the tip of the iceberg of debris at Carpinteria State Beach. 

"Given the rain we had earlier this month we had a lot of debris coming out with our rivers," said superintendent Dave Wilson of California State Parks.

The storm deposited numerous submerged hazards in the surf zone.

"This Includes a lot of drift wood you can see behind me. And different areas of the beach … we are a lot of drift would and it’s made it’s way into the ocean which created submerged hazards," said Wilson.

Since much of the debris is not visible, visitors are urged not to enter the ocean. 

"Just keep an eye on the water cuz of the wood and the water it can stab you and the waves nock you over. So you have to be careful," said visitor David Gallardo of Carpinteria State Beach.

Crews with California State Parks believe it will take at least several weeks to clean up the debris.

"It is a lot … in trying to organize cleanup we anticipate a very large volume of drift wood and debris to remove," said Wilson.

In light of this week’s projected storm, state parks wants visitors to be aware of other hazards caused by intense winds.

"It’s moving a lot of sand as well as potential to cause trees to fall so we want the public to be aware of those hazards as well," said Wilson.

"Use common sense you know … I heard there’s rattle snakes on the beach too with the wood so you gotta be careful with that and just state out of the water," said Gallardo.

Lifeguards are continuing to assess the area.