SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — Beachgoers should use extra caution on the coast this weekend as an incoming swell will increase the chances of rip tides and sneaker waves, the National Weather Service warns. “Beachgoers should be mindful as a longer-period swell arrives Sunday,” the NWS forecast stat es. “This longer period will result in hazardous beach conditions with increased sneaker wave risk, rip current risk, and larger shore break. Hazardous beach conditions are in the weekend forecast. (NWS) ‘Really Stupid Park’: SF commuters use Great Highway park-naming contest to vent Sneaker waves are potentially deadly waves that surge up beaches well past the existing shoreline. Sneaker waves can occur at any time without warning and can potentially knock beachgoers off their feet and drag them into the icy water. KRON4 Meteorologist Kyla Grogan reports that the hazardous swell will last through Monday. "Warmer, sunnier weather means people will likely flock to our beautiful coast this weekend," Grogan said. "So if you do head out to the coast, be aware of the dangers and never turn your back on the ocean.  It is a great idea also to keep a safe distance from the surf zone, to keep a watchful eye on children and pets and in general to stay aware of conditions as they develop." ‘Watch your step!’ Tiny, adorable newts on the move in the Bay Area “Sneaker waves can happen on any surf coast, however, in the Northwest, water temperatures are frigid and victims caught in sneakers can lose control of their limbs in a matter of seconds,” the NWS website reads. “The volume of sand, water, and gravel they carry and will deposit in an individuals’ clothes. Survivors have described the water-sand mix in their clothes as feeling as heavy as concrete, rendering them incapable of escaping the receding waves pulling them into the ocean.” ...read more read less