Hundreds of people were rescued from ocean waters along the California coast on the Fourth of July due to strong currents and powerful surf conditions.

A group of more than 10 people were pulled far from shore and scattered along a "dog-leg" rip current, which bends and abruptly changes direction.

Newport Beach lifeguards shared a video of crews saving 10 swimmers from what they called a "monster rip current." They made 350 rescues there on Friday.

July 4, also known as Independence Day, marks the day the Declaration of Independence was adopted and the 13 North American colonies officially separated from Great Britain. As the Fourth of July draws nearer, here's a brief rundown of what happened that day in 1776, approximately 249 years ago.

Competitive eater Joey “Jaws” Chestnut reclaimed his title Friday at the Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July hot dog eating contest, and defending champion in the women’s division, Miki Sudo of Tampa, Florida,

The champion returns to take over Independence Day as Joey Chestnut will compete in this year's Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest.

Joey Chestnut, 16-time champion of the Nathan’s annual Fourth of July event, returned after being banned last year because of an endorsement deal.