UPDATED
A Kentucky man and his son were rescued from a rip current by Newport Beach lifeguards Friday afternoon, but the father died a short time later in the hospital, authorities said Saturday. The boy was released at the scene, and the man was taken to Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian in serious condition. David Gichuru, 39, of Wilmore, Kentucky was pronounced dead at 3:11 p.m. Friday, authorities said.
At 2:29 p.m., a unit lifeguard responded to two victims caught in a rip current, one of whom went face down into the water, according to a news release issued by the Fire Department. Both victims were pulled ashore, and the adult male was treated by lifeguards, firefighters and paramedics before going to Hoag.
Newport Beach lifeguards advise those caught in riptides to swim parallel to the shore until the current eases.
— Jessie Brunner
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