Venice Beach swimmer dies; hazardous conditions forecast for Labor Day weekend
Lifeguard Morgan Wallace watches the water in Venice in this 2014 photo. Lifeguards are warning that strong surf and warm temperatures could mean greater hazards for swimmers and surfers over Labor Day weekend.
Los Angeles County firefighters are warning holiday weekend beachgoers to be cautious after the death of a swimmer who got caught in a rip current at Venice Beach.
The man and two other people were swimming near Avenue 19 in Venice about 6:15 p.m. Thursday when they began struggling in the current, according to Lidia Barillas, a spokeswoman for the L.A. County Fire Department’s Lifeguard Division. The trio were swimming about 200 yards from shore.
As lifeguards swam out, Barillas said, a lifeguard captain on shore saw the man disappear under the waves. The two other swimmers were brought safely to shore, Barillas said, and rescue divers, lifeguard boats and an L.A. County Fire helicopter arrived to assist with the search for the missing swimmer.
A diver pulled the man from the water and he was taken to the hospital around 7 p.m., according to Los Angeles Fire Department spokeswoman Margaret Stewart. He later died, the Los Angeles County coroner confirmed.
Warm temperatures and strong surf are expected to hit L.A. County beaches over Labor Day weekend, a combination that could mean greater hazards for swimmers and surfers, Barillas says.
“The rip currents get stronger and longer, and much more frequent when there’s a strong swell,” Barillas said. “It can create a strong lateral current, meaning people get pushed sideways down the beach and into spots they may not realize are dangerous.”
The National Weather Service has issued a beach hazards statement through Monday evening, warning of waves as high as 5 feet, rip currents and large “sneaker waves” that can occur without warning.
Last month, 28-year-old Jose Garcia of Sun Valley died after disappearing into a rip current at Zuma Beach in Malibu.
Barillas said the best way to stay safe is to swim near a staffed lifeguard tower and check in with lifeguards before entering the water so they can point out areas to avoid. If you do get caught in a rip current, Barillas said, fight the urge to swim toward shore and instead swim with the current, parallel to the beach, until you’re out of it.
For more breaking news, follow me @cmaiduc on Twitter.
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