Heroic Father Dies Saving Daughter from Deadly Waves at California Beach

On Friday, a tragic incident unfolded at Garrapata State Beach in California, where a 39-year-old Canadian father, Yuji Hu, lost his life while trying to save his 5-year-old daughter from the powerful ocean waves.

The family, which included the mother and a 2-year-old child, was at the beach when a large wave, estimated to be between 15 and 20 feet high, pulled the father and his daughter into the water. In a desperate attempt to rescue his child, Hu jumped in, but was ultimately unable to bring her to safety. The mother also entered the water to help but was able to make it back to shore.

Tragically, despite the efforts of an off-duty State Parks lifeguard and a beach visitor who performed CPR, Hu was pronounced dead at a local hospital. The search for his daughter continues, with California State Parks personnel continuing the search on foot.

The incident highlights the persistent public safety risks along California's coastline, particularly during periods of high surf. Rip currents and large waves can pose unpredictable dangers, even in daylight hours, and have been responsible for more than 100 deaths on U.S. beaches each year, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Monterey County officials have urged visitors to the Big Sur coastline to remain vigilant and cautious when near the water.