Search efforts involved rescue watercraft, dive teams, aerial resources and more, under \u201cchallenging ocean conditions, including large surf, powerful currents, and limited underwater visibility,” according to the city.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is one of the most heartbreaking incidents I have witnessed during my time serving this community,\u201d said Laguna Beach Mayor Mark Orgill in a statement. \u201cOur hearts go out to the young victim\u2019s family, friends, and all those affected by this tragic loss. On behalf of the Laguna Beach community, I extend our deepest condolences and want the family to know they are in our thoughts and prayers during this unimaginably difficult time.\u201d<\/p>\n
Laguna Beach Marine Safety personnel and partner agencies were expected to transition from the dedicated search and recovery operation to ongoing monitoring of offshore and shoreline areas as part of routine responsibilities on June 11, according to a city update.<\/p>\n
This comes as authorities reportedly rescued two injured individuals in Oceanside on June 9 after one person was swept into the ocean by a large wave, and the second person went into the water to retrieve the other, according to City News Service<\/a>.<\/p>\n National Weather Service warns of hazardous swimming conditions A yellow flag is flying on a lifeguard station. A yellow flag indicates potentially high surf or dangerous currents and undertows, and means that swimmers should exercise extreme caution. Shot on an iPhone 6s Plus at Lagua Beach, CA.<\/p>\n Coastal areas in Orange County \u2014 where Laguna Beach is located \u2014 and San Diego County remain under a beach hazards statement through 8 p.m. on June 11, according to the National Weather Service San Diego.\u00a0Weather officials warn of hazardous swimming conditions with high rip current and longshore current risk; the \u201cdangerous rip currents and swimming conditions\u201d are due to elevated surf, according to NWS San Diego.<\/p>\n It echoes messaging from Laguna Beach earlier in the week.<\/p>\n Laguna Beach\u00a0posted on June 9<\/a>\u00a0a high surf advisory warning, informing the public of elevated surf, strong rip currents and hazardous ocean conditions occurring along the coastline.<\/p>\n Laguna Beach Marine Safety Chief Kai Bond, in the post, said large surf was expected to peak sometime the night of June 9, \u201clater through Wednesday and slowly dissipate through the week.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPlease know that when you come to the beach that you need to understand your abilities,\u201d Bond said. \u201cAnd if you\u2019re not an expert, you need to stay out of the water.\u201d<\/p>\n The reason why Orange County is seeing larger swells, or waves, is because the region has more south-facing beaches, so these swells \u2014 which come from the south \u2014 are “coming right at them,” said Lauren Villafane, a NWS meteorologist.<\/p>\n If you become caught in a rip current, yell for help, remain calm, do not exhaust and stay afloat while waiting for help, according to the NWS. Swim parallel to the shore and back toward the beach when possible to swim out of a rip current, NWS said. If you try to swim directly against a rip current, you\u2019ll tire quickly, according to the NWS.<\/p>\n Paris Barraza is a reporter covering Los Angeles and Southern California for the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at\u00a0pbarraza@usatodayco.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/3a7134dd8d8cec7e3b9394f1b7dd94e3.jpeg\"\/)
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