A tragic incident occurred in Laguna Beach, California, when a mother and her two children were pulled into the ocean by powerful waves. The event happened on Tuesday evening as many Southern California coastlines are experiencing perilous conditions. Authorities confirmed that one of the children remains missing.
The city’s Marine Safety Department received a distress call around 7:30 p.m. regarding swimmers in danger. Local bystanders quickly acted and managed to save the mother and one child, but unfortunately, the other child is still unaccounted for, as reported by KABC.
Emergency services, including a Sheriff’s helicopter, conducted a search along the shoreline and beach near the Montage Resort, where the child had been swept off by the waves. Laguna Beach lifeguards also combed the turbulent waters in hopes of locating the missing child.
These events unfold as the Southern California coast faces dangerous ocean conditions. The National Weather Service has issued a high surf advisory, affecting areas such as Catalina, Santa Barbara islands, the Malibu Coast, and all Los Angeles County beaches. The advisory also extends to San Diego and Orange counties through Thursday afternoon.
The weather service highlighted the increased risk of ocean drowning. “Rip currents can pull swimmers and surfers out to sea. Large breaking waves can cause injuries, wash people off beaches and rocks, and capsize small boats near shore,” the service warned.
Residents and visitors to the coast are advised to take extreme caution and heed all safety advisories during these hazardous conditions.
Jazmin Alvarado, a breaking news intern for the Los Angeles Times, covered the incident. Alvarado recently graduated from Fresno State with a degree in broadcast journalism and has a passion for sharing community stories. She can be contacted via Instagram @jazminalvaradotv.