Man Drowns While Trying To Rescue Swimmer In Laguna Beach

LAGUNA BEACH,CA — A swimmer drowned Sunday night while trying to save another who was caught in a rip current off Table Rock Beach, Laguna Beach police reported. Authorities were called to the popular beach just before sunset, and over 3o lifeguards participated in the rescue and recovery operation, according to officials.

Two men and two women jumped off the rocks and into the waves to the north of Table Rock Beach, Laguna Beach police Sgt. Jim Cota said.

All four were pulled out by a strong rip current. The men escaped the current, but the woman was still in trouble.

"One of the men swam back out to help her," Cota said. "With his help, the woman was able to swim back, but he was last seen going under the surface."

Lifeguards responded and began a search, Cota said.

"At one point, there were over thirty lifeguards in the water, searching for him," Cota said.

An Orange County Fire Authority helicopter and an Orange County Sheriff's Department Harbor Patrol boat responded to assist in the search efforts.

The 27-year-old man's body was recovered from the water over an hour later, Cota said.

Rescue crews brought the man to shore and he was taken via helicopter to Mission Hospital-Mission Viejo where he was pronounced dead.

The victim's name was not released, pending family notification.

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