A weekend swim off South Carlsbad State Beach ended in tragedy for a 53-year-old man, whose body was recovered Sunday after he went missing the night before, officials said. The death comes as the National Weather Service warns of hazardous surf and strong rip currents along the San Diego coastline, and lifeguards are telling people it is simply not a good time to be in the water.
What Forecasters Are Warning About
The National Weather Service has issued a Beach Hazards Statement for San Diego County calling for 3 to 6-foot surf with sets to 7 feet, strong longshore currents, and an increased risk of life-threatening rip currents. The advisory also warns of minor coastal flooding during evening high tides on south-facing beaches. The statement remains in effect through Wednesday, according to NWS San Diego.
Body Recovered Off Carlsbad Coast
California State Parks and local officials confirmed that the swimmer, described as a 53-year-old man, was reported missing Saturday night near Lifeguard Tower 26. He was later found washed ashore about 200 yards north of Tower 28. ABC 10News reported that the water search was suspended for the night because of darkness and that the body was recovered around noon yesterday. The recovery was also acknowledged by the U.S. Coast Guard on X, as reported by ABC 10News.
Lifeguards Say Stay Dry, And If You Go In: Float, Do Not Fight
Lifeguard Services are urging beachgoers to stay out of the water while the hazardous conditions continue and, if they insist on going in, to swim only in front of staffed towers. The City of San Diego Lifeguard Services lists key survival steps if you are caught in a rip current: relax, float and wave for help, or swim parallel to shore, and it warns people not to attempt a rescue themselves, according to City of San Diego Lifeguard Services. Local meteorologists say a persistent south swell has driven the dangerous conditions and kept lifeguards busy across the county, according to NBC 7 San Diego.
Before heading to any beach, officials say to check the latest Beach Hazards Statement and lifeguard tower updates. The National Weather Service beach page has the current advisory and timing for the warning. The safest option, they add, is to skip the water until lifeguards report calmer surf and the advisory is lifted, per NWS San Diego.
.jpg){kind=link}