Lifeguards were searching for a young child who was swept into the ocean by big surf late Tuesday evening, June 9, off of Laguna Beach.
The girl and her family were walking along the sand when a large wave swept them into the ocean, said Laguna Beach Marine Safety Chief Kai Bonds.
Two bystanders attempted to pull all three family members out of the water, successfully rescuing two — but the child was not found, he said.
A search involving mutual-aid lifeguard resources, the Orange County Harbor Department and the U.S. Coast Guard lasted through the evening and continued into Wednesday morning.
“We kept resources on scene to search the area,” he said. “The conditions are incredibly difficult with surf size and clarity.”
Surf conditions remain hazardous and beachgoers, no matter their ability, should use extreme caution or stay out of the ocean through Thursday, June 11, officials said.