South Bay Man Dies In Santa Cruz Main Beach Waters

SAN JOSE, CA — The Santa Cruz County Coroner's Office has identified the San Jose man who died after he was swept out to sea with two children Sunday evening at Santa Cruz Main Beach.

The children, ages 6 and 12, are believed to be in good condition.

Hai Pham, 50, succumbed to his injuries at the hospital.

The man and children were about 200 hundred yards offshore in the area of the river mouth when officials arrived around 6 p.m., the Santa Cruz Fire Department announced Monday.

A rescue swimmer/paramedic went after them and learned the man was unconscious, so another rescue swimmer and two lifeguards entered the water, firefighter said. Harbor Patrol rescued the adult and children, and brought aboard one of the paramedics to render aid to the man.

Harbor Patrol brought the victims to Santa Cruz Harbor where additional paramedics were waiting to take them to the hospital. A rescue swimmer/paramedic was also treated at the hospital and remained overnight for observation; that person is now in good health.

The fire department reminds people that the ocean can be a dangerous place and people should use caution and direct questions to lifeguards.