Missing Child in Laguna Beach After High Surf

A tragic incident unfolded in Laguna Beach on Tuesday evening when a mother and her two children were swept into the ocean by powerful waves. Authorities have reported that one child remains missing following the distressing event.

At approximately 7:30 p.m., the city’s Marine Safety Department received a call about swimmers in distress. Nearby individuals acted quickly to rescue the mother and one of her children, according to reports from KABC. However, efforts to locate the missing child continue.

The dangerous conditions affecting much of the Southern California coast are a result of a high surf advisory issued by the National Weather Service. This advisory impacts areas including Catalina, the Santa Barbara islands, the Malibu Coast, and all Los Angeles County beaches. Additionally, hazardous beach conditions persist for the San Diego and Orange county coastlines through Thursday afternoon.

“There is an increased risk for ocean drowning. Rip currents can pull swimmers and surfers out to sea. Large breaking waves can cause injury, wash people off beaches and rocks, and capsize small boats near shore,” warned the weather service.

Search efforts for the missing child include a Sheriff’s helicopter scanning the shoreline and Laguna Beach lifeguards navigating the turbulent waters near the Montage Resort.

During this period of high surf, authorities remind beachgoers to exercise extreme caution and keep a safe distance from the water’s edge.

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Jazmin Alvarado, a breaking news intern with the Los Angeles Times and a Fresno State graduate, has been actively covering topics such as this to bring community stories to light.