On Tuesday evening, a mother and her two children faced perilous conditions at Laguna Beach after being swept into the ocean by powerful waves. While rescuers managed to save the mother and one child, one child remains missing.

The incident happened around 7:30 p.m. when the city’s Marine Safety Department received a distress call. Nearby individuals promptly assisted the struggling swimmers, as reported by KABC. Despite their efforts, one of the children has yet to be found.

A Sheriff’s helicopter and Laguna Beach lifeguards have been actively searching the area near the Montage Resort where the girl was last seen.

Current conditions have made much of the Southern California coastline hazardous. The National Weather Service has issued a high surf advisory affecting Catalina, the Santa Barbara islands, the Malibu Coast, and all Los Angeles County beaches. Dangerous beach conditions will persist for the San Diego and Orange county coastlines through Thursday afternoon.

“There is an increased risk for ocean drowning,” noted the weather service. “Rip currents can pull swimmers and surfers out to sea. Large breaking waves can cause injury, wash people off beaches and rocks, and capsize small boats near shore.”

Beachgoers are urged to exercise caution and be aware of the risks present in these conditions.

Jazmin Alvarado, a breaking news intern for the Los Angeles Times, contributed to this report. She is a recent graduate of Fresno State and is passionate about community storytelling. Connect with her on Instagram at @jazminalvaradotv.