Story perspectives

5-Year-Old Found Dead After Treasure Island Rip Current

6/12/2026

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Rescuers Locate Body

An early-morning aerial survey located Amada Mia Brown’s body 250-300 yards offshore of Christmas Cove, near Treasure Island Beach.
The 5-year-old was swept into the ocean at Treasure Island Beach in Laguna Beach, California, with her body recovered Thursday.
Laguna Beach Marine Safety, Orange County Sheriff’s Harbor Patrol, U.S. Coast Guard ended 30-hour, 90-square-mile.
A historic south swell produced nine-foot waves and high-rip-current warnings along Southern California beaches.

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Rescuers Save Family

Laguna Beach Marine Safety issued high-surf warnings and closed hazardous rocky sections as a south swell produced 10-foot waves.
Bystanders rescued a mother and her son at Laguna Beach and released both from the hospital after treatment.
Mayor Mark Orgill called tragedy one of the most heartbreaking he had witnessed, praising rescuers.
Meteorologist Philip Gonsalves warned rip currents would linger Thursday, urging swimmers to stay ashore.

History

Historical Context

In 1991 the National Weather Service issued its first official rip-current warnings after four Southern California beach deaths, prompting joint rescues by the Coast Guard, Orange County Sheriff’s Harbor Patrol and Laguna Beach Marine Safety. That same year the NWS tracked a record 102 tropical systems, underscoring expanding ocean-hazard monitoring and the need for continued inter-agency drills.

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Rescuers Locate Body

An early-morning aerial survey located Amada Mia Brown’s body 250-300 yards offshore of Christmas Cove, near Treasure Island Beach.
The 5-year-old was swept into the ocean at Treasure Island Beach in Laguna Beach, California, with her body recovered Thursday.
Laguna Beach Marine Safety, Orange County Sheriff’s Harbor Patrol, U.S. Coast Guard ended 30-hour, 90-square-mile.
A historic south swell produced nine-foot waves and high-rip-current warnings along Southern California beaches.

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