Body of Fullerton boy washes up in Surf City

Jenny Marder

The first tragedy of the summer was confirmed Sunday when a surfer

found the body of 14-year-old Oswaldo Jesus Ramos, who disappeared on

June 25 while swimming near Tower No. 2 at Huntington State Beach, in

the water off Bolsa Chica State Beach.

Rescue boats, jet skis and helicopters spent nearly three hours

searching for the Fullerton boy, who lifeguards suspect got caught in

one of the riptides that stretch of coastline is known for.

State beach lifeguards were assisted by lifeguards from Huntington

Beach and Newport Beach and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.

At the height of the search, there were about 70 people in the water.

With a 15 mph wind coming from the west, conditions at the beach

that day were “very, very nasty,” Lifeguard Program Supervisor Mike

Brousard said.

“The angle of the swell was such that it was generating a very

strong side current,” he said. “The area was unusually dangerous that

day. The guard had made about half a dozen rescues.”

As he watched the surf teams move across the water on the day of

the drowning, Don MacLean, Huntington Beach resident and surfer, said

that water conditions looked choppy and difficult.

“For an inexperienced swimmer, these are probably fairly rough

conditions,” he said. “If you’re caught in a serious rip tide, you

should just relax and go with it.”

For the Fourth of July weekend, marine safety officers are

preparing for the worst. Every tower will be staffed, lifeguards will

be on standby and rescue boats will be stationed at each park.

With crowded beaches and unpredictable surf and riptides, it’s

important that swimmers keep basic safety tips in mind.

Important safety cautions include not swimming with your clothes

on, which adds extra weight and not overestimating your abilities,

two mistakes that Ramos fell prey to, Brousard said. When in doubt,

ask lifeguards about conditions or pay heed to public address

announcements that lifeguards blare over the loudspeakers, which

consistently warn swimmers and surfers about beach conditions. This

is especially crucial since conditions change every day, Brousard

cautioned. Rip currents, he added, are completely dependent on tides

and swells.

“When these events happen, people become more aware of their own

limitations, Marine Safety Lt. Mike Baumgartner said.