Seal Beach Battles Flooding as High Surf Swamps Boardwalk

When the ocean surged over the sand berms this past weekend, the boardwalk at Seal Beach turned into a makeshift canal. Water sloshed into garages, piled up against homes, and left a mess of trash and sand that lingered well into Monday.

By early morning, neighbors were already out with shovels, sandbags, and a determination that only people who live by the sea seem to have. Jon Cockrill, a 33‑year‑long resident behind the strand, explained his setup: “I’ve got boards protecting the garage and sandbags in front of them. If the surf is as high and the tide rises, we’ll see if that holds.”

Meanwhile, crews from Seal Beach Public Works were working through the night, pumping water out of the boardwalk and unclogging storm drains that had been choked with debris. "A lot of trash came in," said Allie Brooks, wiping her hands on a wet jacket. "That’s the only downside for us down here."

Even with the warnings, a small crowd gathered on the wet boardwalk to make the best of the odd situation. Brothers Levi and Jack Krueger grabbed their skimboards and, to the surprise of onlookers, paddled a short kayak down the shallow water. “We just slid around on the water, having a little fun,” Jack laughed, though he later admitted he’d keep his kids out of the surf while a tropical storm churns offshore.

The cleanup didn’t stop at the boardwalk. Residents cleared debris from streets, and a street‑cleaner made a final pass just as the forecast called for another round of high surf Monday evening. The National Weather Service has issued a Coastal Flood Advisory and a High‑Surf Advisory that remain in effect until 11 p.m. Tuesday.

Across the coast, surfers weren’t letting the conditions slow them down. At Newport Beach’s famed Wedge, wave sets ranging from four to ten feet attracted bodyboarders and seasoned surfers alike. Lifeguards reported over 185 rescues over the weekend and logged nearly 7,500 preventive actions, underscoring how quickly excitement can turn risky.

For those who call Seal Beach home, the gamble is part of the lifestyle. "It’s one of the risks we take, but it’s worth it," Cockrill reflected, eyes still on the rolling tide. "Tomorrow might be a different story, though."