By Allison Jarrell | LB Indy
On Sunday, May 11, Laguna Beach lifeguards rescued two females, an adult and a juvenile, after they were washed out to sea by a set of large waves from the rocks south of Aliso Beach.
Chief Jason Young of OC Lifeguards said the woman and girl were treated by lifeguards and paramedics and both were transported to a hospital.
Young said when initial reports came in on Sunday, it was unclear how many victims there were. “Our lifeguards got on scene and identified two victims in the water that had to be pulled out,” Young said, adding that some bystanders helped as well.
The waves were large Sunday, with a swell building out of the south and 4-6-foot sets, with occasional 7-8-foot sets, coming in. Young said Monday that he expected the surf to rebuild throughout the week and into the weekend.
“We strongly urge everyone to check in with a lifeguard before they go anywhere near the water during a swell event, especially in Laguna Beach,” Young said. “Rocky areas are extremely dangerous during high surf—the waves can wash over the rocks and pull people off and through the rocks and into the ocean.
“Being close to the water edge as well, even on a sandy beach, people can be swept off their feet,” he added. “So, we want everyone to approach the beach with extreme caution and check in with the lifeguards so they can give them the best advice for the day.”
