A California woman is recovering after suffering a heart attack and nearly drowning when a large wave swept her out to sea. The incident occurred on Aliso Beach in Laguna Beach.
Teresa Tran, 49, was walking with friends when the group was hit by strong waves that knocked them down. According to her daughter, Amanda Trinh, the waves came unexpectedly, overwhelming the group as they tried to return to shore. One friend managed to reach safety, while lifeguards rescued another.
When lifeguards reached Tran, she was unconscious and had suffered a heart attack due to the shock of the near-drowning. First responders on the beach worked to revive her. Tran regained consciousness after being flipped over and vomiting water, allowing her pulse to become discernible.
Tran was airlifted to Providence Mission Hospital, where she remained for four days before being released to continue her recovery at home. Her daughter has established a GoFundMe campaign to help with medical expenses.
The incident occurred in an area known for hazardous surf conditions this summer. NOAA data indicates that swells generated by Hurricanes Fausto and Genevieve in late July and early August have led to waves reaching 8-10 feet on south-facing beaches in Orange County, including Aliso Beach.
Tran's daughter hopes her mother's experience will raise awareness about the dangers of ocean conditions, noting that the incident happened less than a mile from where a young child drowned earlier in the summer under similar circumstances.