A 41-year-old man who was pulled unconscious from the ocean in Laguna Beach has died, authorities said Thursday.
According a statement from the city, Laguna Beach Marine Safety personnel pulled the man from the surf around 4:20 p.m. Wednesday at South Crescent Bay beach.
“The individual had been bodysurfing at the beach leading up to the incident and was in cardiac arrest after being carried to shore by lifeguards,” according to the city. “CPR was performed on scene by Marine Safety and Fire Department staff, and he was transported to Mission Hospital Laguna Beach via ground ambulance.”
Authorities confirmed Thursday that the man had died. His name was not immediately released.
Marine Safety Capt. Dane Doran told ABC7 Thursday that while the ocean is an attractive escape for people looking to escape the heat, the water can be treacherous due to high surf and rip currents.
“Our beaches in Laguna are beautiful but they can be very, very dangerous,” Doran told the station. “Steps that people can take to stay safe are checking their local reports and talking to the lifeguard when they get to the beach. But again, aside from our safety message, our thoughts today and our focus is with the friends and family of yesterday’s victim.”
The National Weather Service issued a beach hazard statement in effect until Thursday evening for Orange County and San Diego County beaches, warning of “elevated surf of 3-5 feet with sets up to 7 feet expected along with dangerous rip currents and minor coastal flooding.”