A boogie boarder who died after being pulled from the ocean in Santa Cruz on Friday has been identified as James Zenk, 47, of Mountain View, according county coroner’s office.
Shortly before 5 p.m. on Friday, witnesses alerted emergency crews to a man in distress in the water at a popular surfing location near Lighthouse Point, according to Santa Cruz fire Battalion Chief Rob Young.
Zenk was caught in dangerous waters situated between rocks and the mainland, Young said.
Three rescue swimmers entered the water from the cliffs above the boarder while two rescue swimmers arrived in rescue boats, according to Young.
Zenk was rescued by the swimmers and taken to shore, Young said.
He was then transported to Dominican Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Two rescue swimmers were treated for injuries and released, Young said.
The Santa Cruz Fire Department is urging the community to be aware of ocean conditions prior to entering the water and be prepared for changes.
