A woman died and another is in critical condition after being swept away near Panther Beach in Santa Cruz County on Wednesday. - Emergency crews responded to a 911 call at 5:08 p.m.
and rescued two women from the water. - One woman was pulled from Panther Beach, the other from Yellow Bank Beach; a helicopter was used for the latter.
- The incident occurred near a keyhole in the cliffs that becomes impassable at high tide. - Authorities warn of increased sneaker wave risk this weekend due to a southerly swell and high temperatures.