California State Park lifeguards search for a missing 5-year-old girl swept into the ocean on Friday, Nov. 14, at Garrapata State Park.

November 16, 2025 - An ongoing search for a missing 5-year-old girl swept into the water at Garrapata State Park continues today by California State Parks, the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Coast Guard.

Related: Monterey County Sheriff Identifies Canadian Father Who Died Trying to Save 5-Year-Old Daughter Near Big Sur

An off-duty State Park Peace Officer (SPPO) Lifeguard jumped into action as he spotted a family in distress near the water line at Garrapata State Park on Friday, Nov.14, at about 12:50 p.m. The SPPO Lifeguard managed to pull the father out of the water and began CPR. A 5-year-old girl was swept into the ocean by 15- to 20-foot waves and is still missing as of this afternoon. The mother of the girl was also swept into the ocean but managed to get back to shore with the assistance of the off-duty lifeguard. She was transported by ambulance to a local hospital in stable condition with mild hypothermia. The 39-year-old father was also taken to the hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

State Parks lifeguards continue to search the water near Garrapata State Park for the missing girl. CAL FIRE, Monterey County Search and Rescue, and California Highway Patrol are also actively assisting with the search by air and water for the missing girl.

Monterey County Sheriff’s Office and Search and Rescue teams search for a missing 5-year-old girl in the ocean at Garrapata State Park.

Source: CA. State Parks