Woman Dies, Another Critical After Being Swept Out to Sea in Santa Cruz

A woman was killed and another remains in critical condition after both were swept into the ocean by rough surf along the Santa Cruz County coast, marking California’s second fatal ocean-related incident in recent days.

On Wednesday, the two women, believed to be in their 20s, were pulled from the water near Yellow Bank Beach by eight rescue swimmers, according to the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office. One woman was airlifted from the beach by helicopter, while the other was transported using a Stokes basket, officials said.

Investigators believe the women may have been sleeping when a rapidly rising tide caught them off guard and dragged them into the ocean, Santa Cruz County Fire Department Fire Captain Kyle Breton said. One woman was later pronounced dead at a hospital, while the other remained in critical condition as of Friday, a sheriff’s spokesperson confirmed.

"Swimmers were able to locate the first victim and move them on to Panther Beach, where we began resuscitation efforts. A second victim was located further down shore, and was pulled into Yellow Bank Beach. And then Copter 614, the Cal Fire hoist helicopter, was able to lift that patient off the beach, also CPR in progress," a first responder told KSBW 8.

The incident comes just days after the death of 5-year-old Amada Mia Brown, who was swept into the ocean in Laguna Beach during high surf and recovered two days after she went missing.

In Newport Beach, the powerful swell produced historic 20-foot waves at the Wedge, leading to more than 100 lifeguard rescues this week, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Although wave heights peaked Wednesday, a beach hazard statement remains in effect across Southern California through Monday evening, according to the National Weather Service. Forecasters warn that dangerous rip currents and elevated surf of 3 to 6 feet will continue, keeping conditions hazardous along the shoreline.

The swell also significantly increases the risk of drowning, as waves can knock people off beaches or rocks and capsize small boats. Minor coastal flooding is also possible in low-lying areas due to high astronomical tides expected to reach 7.5 to 7.9 feet each evening through Monday.

Lifeguards are urging beachgoers to exercise extreme caution, warning that the ongoing swell has produced dangerous, unpredictable conditions that have challenged even experienced surfers.

The Independent has contacted the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office for comment.