Unconscious Couple, Son Pulled From Surf

A husband and wife near death and their 12-year-old son were rescued from the surf Friday after they were caught in a current.

Lifeguards spotted the trio struggling to stay above water about 3:30 p.m. off the beach near 65th Street, lifeguard Lt. Eric Bauer said.

Dale Phelps, 46, and Sally Phelps, 41, were unconscious when they were pulled from the water, police Sgt. John Freeman said.

The woman went into full cardiac arrest, but lifeguards performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation and she regained a pulse, Fire Marshal Dennis Lockard said.

“The man was stabilized at the scene, and the boy was shaken but OK,” Lockard said.

They all were taken to Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian, Lockard said. The mother was listed in critical condition, police said.

Friday’s warm weather, almost 6-foot surf and a strong current combined to keep Newport Beach lifeguards busy with 50 rescues throughout the day, Lockard said.

“It’s been a real tumultuous day,” he said.

Lifeguard officials recommend that visitors who are not skillful swimmers check the condition of the water before trying to swim.

“If you don’t swim well, make sure you know the dynamics of the ocean’s current and know how to get out of them,” Bauer said.