SURFSIDE BEACH, Texas — "No swimming" flags started flying Tuesday in Surfside where beaches are temporarily off-limits to cars and trucks and people are urged to stay out of the water.
"I don’t want to do it, but for safety, I have to,” said Mayor Gregg Bisso.
KHOU 11 News crews watched as he convinced a surfer to turn around.
However, Bisso admitted some people will always ignore warnings.
"I’m doing this for the safety of the public and also the safety of my employees, my officers," said Bisso. "Who would have to go out and rescue these people if they got in trouble.”
Landon Minatra and his daughter were more worried about the rain.
"It was pretty fun, I like the big waves," said Rylan Minstra.
Dad said he made sure she didn’t walk too far out.
"It’s really pushing in and out so hard," Minatra said. "You get trapped up in a wave and it’ll pull you right out.”
Surfside resident “Skillet” told us he pulled several vehicles from the beach before the city shut down access.
But he was more concerned about swimmers.
"You know, if you go off, go down on the beach and get sucked out," said Skillet. "Ain’t nobody going to come help you.”
Brazoria County also closed access to beaches it oversees beginning at 5 p.m. Tuesday, but officials did not expect any major issues.
Assets are ready just in case.
"What I always advise folks during times like this is watch your trusted news sources," said Brazoria County Judge Matt Sebesta. "Pay attention and take care of yourself.”
Beaches remained open as of Tuesday afternoon in Galveston. However, people were being warned not to go past knee-deep water.