All California beaches have dangerous rip-currents and other hazards. Beaches north of the Golden Gate are especially hazardous. Check with rangers or lifeguards before entering the water. Children playing near or in the surf should be supervised at all times.
Free diving for red abalone is especially popular along the Sonoma coast.
California State Parks and Recreation cautions that "large surf, cold water temperatures, backwash, sudden drop-offs,
pounding shorebreak, and dangerous rip currents can turn what seem like safe activities such as
playing near the surf line, wading, or climbing on rock outcroppings, deadly."
Learn more about ocean safety at CA State Parks: Ocean Safety