Warning Issued After Swimmer Dies In Dangerous Rip Currents Near Venice Beach

VENICE BEACH (CBSLA.com) — Lifeguards were warning of dangerous rip currents after a swimmer died over the weekend after being pulled from the ocean off Venice Beach.

Officials say Troy Mendez, 49, and two friends were caught in rip currents 50 yards from the sand.

"Rip currents are dangerous year-round. Eighty percent of the rescues that we make happen in rip currents," said Capt. Julio Rodriguez of the Los Angeles County Fire Department, who was on duty that day.

Lifeguards say Mendez lost consciousness as they started bringing him back to the beach. His friends watched and hugged one another as lifeguards tried to revive him.

He passed away at a hospital.

Rip currents are powerful currents of water moving away from shore. They can sweep even the strongest swimmer out to sea.

"I think the initial reaction is to panic; that's why the first thing they teach you is you gotta stay calm," said Kevin Chan, a surfer.

For those caught in one, you're urged not to fight it, but rather swim out of it, then to shore or tread water and flag a lifeguard.

"You have to swim parallel to shore to get out the rip current before attempting to swim back in," said Rodriguez.

"People go out to the ocean, they're on vacation and they think they're just gonna go out for a little swim like they're going to the pool, but the Pacific Ocean especially is extremely powerful," said Laura Reizman, another surfer.

It's not known how long Mendez and his friends were in the water.

It's possible he had a pre-existing medical condition, though an autopsy will help determine the cause of death.

Family members say Mendez, who was from Colorado, was a strong guy. They are having a difficult time believing he's gone.

The National Weather Service says rip currents will be strong for the next three days. They advise swimmers to check with a lifeguard before going into the water.