Newport Beach lifeguards battle strong rip tide to rescue swimmer

Newport Beach lifeguards work to rescue a swimmer at The Wedge on Thursday, March 12, 2026, in Newport Beach, CA. The lifeguards battled rip tides and strong currents win waist-to-shoulder deep water for more than five minutes, eventually reaching the shore several hundred feet from where they started. The swimmer of fine and refused medical attention (Video by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)