Search for Missing Swimmer Becomes a Recovery Effort, Not a Rescue

Originally posted at 1:26 p.m. Aug. 23, 2014. Edited at 1:11 a.m. Aug. 24, 2014 with new details.

The search for a 60-year-old man who went missing today while body surfing in a large swell in Dana Point became a recovery effort once it was confirmed that the victim did not leave the water, authorities said.

Orange County Lifeguards were informed about 11:35 a.m. that the man was missing off Salt Creek Beach near Tower 2 and an immediate search in the water was launched by Orange County, Laguna Beach and State Parks lifeguards and the sheriff’s Harbor Patrol and Dive Team, Orange County Lifeguards Chief Jason Young said.

“The Orange County Fire Authority, Anaheim Police Department and the United States Coast Guard assisted the search from the air,” he said.

Orange County Lifeguards aboard jet skis also searched the water for the missing man, Young said.

“Many of the responding agencies assisted with a ground search to confirm the missing swimmer did not make it out of the water,” he said.

Shortly after 1 p.m., the operation was declared a recovery effort, Young said.

“Personnel from the Orange County Lifeguards, Orange County Sheriff’s Department and the United States Coast Guard will continue to search until dark,” he said.

The man went missing amid “Red Flag” conditions resulting from a strong south well that was producing 5- to 7-foot waves with powerful shore breaks and strong currents, Young said.

The swell is being churned up by Hurricane Lowell, 850 miles distant.

“Swimmers are encouraged to use caution when coming to the beach in the next several days and only experienced swimmers (and) surfers should enter the water,” Young said.

It also is recommended that swimmers check with lifeguards before entering the water and to stay near a manned lifeguard tower if possible.

--City News Service

PHOTO Path file photo.