Overview
- A large wave pulled the child into the ocean just before 1 p.m. Friday at Garrapata State Beach north of Rocky Point on Highway 1.
- Waves estimated at 15–20 feet and dangerous rip currents followed a Pacific storm enhanced by an atmospheric river, prompting beach hazard alerts.
- An off-duty State Parks peace officer/lifeguard pulled the father from the water and performed CPR; he was later pronounced dead at a hospital.
- The mother reached shore on her own and is in stable condition with mild hypothermia, and a 2-year-old at the scene was unharmed.
- Search operations involving the Sheriff’s Office, State Parks, CAL FIRE, Coast Guard, CHP, county SAR and Naval aviation paused Friday night for weather and low visibility, then resumed Saturday with helicopters; officials now say the child was last seen in a white shirt.