2 Beach-Goers Help Save 4 From Strong Rip Currents

Two Ventura beach-goers rescued four people from the Pacific Ocean on Sunday after strong rip currents carried them away from shore.

About 2:30 p.m., James Bruggeman, 19, of Saugus was in the water off Surfers Knoll near Ventura Harbor when he and a woman swimming nearby were pulled about 150 feet away from shore by a strong southwest current.

But Bruggeman, a regular beach-goer who has taken several lifeguard courses, said he used his skills to get the woman and himself back to shore.

About the same time, another woman who had gone out to help in the rescue became caught in the current. That’s when 44-year-old Charlie Mallers of Simi Valley, who came to the beach with his wife and children, went out and pulled her back to shore.

Bruggeman and Mallers also rescued two young girls caught in the current. “I saw them getting dragged out and I just jumped in,” Bruggeman said.

Ventura Fire Department paramedics were called, but none of the people involved required medical treatment.

Firefighters praised the two men. However, both said they did what came naturally.

“I’m just glad we hadn’t left yet,” said a winded Mallers. “I’m too out of shape to be doing this,” he said.