Lifeguards Retrieve Unconscious Bodysurfer Who Later Dies at Laguna Beach

At approximately 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, lifeguards at South Crescent Bay beach in Laguna Beach pulled an unconscious bodysurfer from the surf. The Laguna Beach Department of Marine Safety reported that the man was in cardiac arrest upon reaching shore, prompting Marine Safety and Fire Department officials to administer CPR. He was then taken to Mission Hospital Laguna Beach, where he did not survive.

Witness Andrii Mahera said he saw the victim sinking and, together with lifeguards, rushed to assist, noting that water entered the man's mouth during resuscitation attempts. The Orange County coroner’s office confirmed the incident as a drowning. In response, red flags were raised along Crescent Bay to caution beachgoers without significant ocean experience to avoid the water.