A woman has died and another remains in critical condition after being swept out to sea by a powerful tide in Santa Cruz this week, as hazardous ocean conditions continue to threaten the California coastline. The incident occurred Wednesday near Yellow Bank Beach, where eight rescue swimmers pulled two women believed to be in their 20s from the ocean, according to the Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office.
The Santa Cruz County Fire Department responded to the scene, and crews believe the women were sleeping when they were caught off guard by the rapidly rising tide and dragged into the ocean. One woman was airlifted from the beach to the bluffs via helicopter, while the other was carried up in a Stokes basket.
Both were taken to local hospitals, where one was pronounced dead and the second remained in critical condition as of Friday. The victim's identity has not been released.
This marks the second death in California related to the ongoing swell, which has been driven by tropical storms in the Pacific Ocean. Earlier this week, the body of 5-year-old Amada Mia Brown of San Bernardino was recovered in Laguna Beach after she vanished in high surf on Tuesday.
In Newport Beach, the swell has brought historic 20-foot waves to the Wedge, triggering more than 100 lifeguard rescues. While wave size peaked Wednesday, a beach hazard statement remains in effect across Southern California through Monday evening, with forecasters warning of dangerous rip currents and elevated surf of 3 to 6 feet, according to the National Weather Service.
There is an increased risk of drowning, as waves can wash people off beaches and capsize small boats. Minor coastal flooding is also possible in low-lying areas, with high astronomical tides of 7.9 feet expected each evening through Monday.
Lifeguards are urging beachgoers to remain vigilant. Even expert surfers have faced dangerous situations during the swell.
Surfer Hunter Jones narrowly avoided slamming into the Malibu Pier after bailing from a massive wave earlier this week, though his board was destroyed. Surfboard shaper Timmy Patterson told the Orange County Register he survived a near-death experience after being caught inside a set of up to 20-foot waves at a remote break off Dana Point.
National Weather Service Meteorologist Carol Ciliberti said this is likely not the last powerful south swell Californians can expect this summer. The upcoming El Niño cycle is expected to lead to a significantly more active hurricane season in the Pacific, sending large surf toward the Golden State.