Riptide Proves Fatal to Body Surfer, 16
A 16-year-old body surfer drowned Friday afternoon after he was caught in a riptide off La Jolla Shores.
He was identified by the county coroner’s office as Michael Santo Salazar of Scripps Ranch.
Lifeguard Lt. Frank Day said the youth was in a board-surfing area when the current pulled him under. Surfers in the area went to his aid, Day said, but could not find him.
A few minutes later, the youth floated to the surface and lifeguards brought him to shore. Resuscitation efforts on the beach and at Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla failed to revive him.
Day said dangerous currents and riptides are occurring along all San Diego County beaches.
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