3 Teen Surfers Save Drowning Family In Laguna Beach

LAGUNA BEACH, CA — Three Laguna Beach teens were honored this week by the Laguna Beach City Council for their role in saving a family caught in a dangerous rip current at Treasure Island Beach.

The rescue happened around 7:41 p.m. on July 18 when reports of multiple swimmers in distress hit the Laguna Beach Marine Safety and Fire Department.

Marine Safety Chief Kai Bond said lifeguards arriving on scene found several people struggling in the water, including a half-conscious swimmer who had almost drowned.

Prior to the lifeguards arrival, three surfers — Mason Davis, 16, Levi Mauga, 19, and Tommy Kahalka, 15 — had already paddled into the rip current to help.

The teens kept the most critical patient above water until lifeguards arrived and helped to stabilize the victim, according to the city.

"Their early intervention made a significant positive difference in the outcome of this emergency," Bond said during Tuesday's city council meeting. "Thanks to the coordinated efforts between our marine safety team and these courageous young men, all victims were successfully brought back to shore and received the necessary medical care."

A video of the rescue — shared by Laguna Beach Lifeguards on Instagram — shows lifeguards and surfers working together to bring multiple swimmers to shore.