Los Angeles County Lifeguard “blitz” saves eight swimmers in Manhattan Beach
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[Video courtesy of Los Angeles County Lifeguards. Expand screen for best viewing on desktop computers.]
A “blitz” rescue by four Los Angeles County Lifeguards saved eight swimmers from drowning Sunday afternoon.
Lifeguard Greg Crum was the first to enter the water after seeing the eight swimmers swept off a shallow sandbar into a deep, inshore hole. A rip current then carried the swimmers an estimated 75 yards off shore.
Lifeguard Julian Perez, who was working in a neighboring tower, followed Crum into the water. Then lifeguards Will Didinger and Kenny Brechtelsbaur joined the rescue effort on paddleboards. Four surfers also paddled over to the swimmers to offer assistance.
Los Angeles County Lifeguards spokesperson Pono Barnes said sand bars and inshore holes are common hazards during the spring, after winter swells carve up the bottom sand. ER.