Missing Swimmer Presumed Drowned

A 39-year-old swimmer caught in a riptide was missing and presumed drowned Sunday night after three of his friends were rescued, fire officials said.

Two of the rescued swimmers, identified by Newport Beach police as Wesley Dodd, 14, and Mary Windship, 27, both of San Bernardino, were treated at Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian and released, a spokeswoman said. A fourth member of the group was helped to shore by another swimmer who happened to be nearby, said Battalion Chief Randy Scheerer of the Newport Beach Fire Department.

The four were caught in a riptide about 100 yards from shore, Scheerer said. A red flag was flying at the lifeguard tower, signaling dangerous conditions, and no other swimmers were within 200 yards of the scene, he said.

Two lifeguards received a distress signal at 5:17 p.m., Scheerer said. But it was not until they had brought the two swimmers to shore that they learned one more was missing.

The man, of San Bernardino, was last seen 150 yards from shore when a wave washed over him.

A search was called off at 7 p.m. It will continue today, Scheerer said.