Pleasanton Woman Dies Saving Children From Rip Current

HALF MOON BAY (CBS SF) -- A 47-year-old East Bay woman drowned Sunday evening attempting to rescue three children who had been swept out into the Pacific Ocean by a rip current at Cowell Ranch Beach, authorities said.

The San Mateo County Coroner's Office identified the woman as Aarti Senthilvel from Pleasanton.

The San Mateo County Sheriff's Department said the woman was visiting the beach near Half Moon Bay with her family. At around 6:45 p.m., three children had waded into the water to have their picture taken when a wave knocked them down and dragged them into deeper water.

Detective Rosemerry Blankswade said Senthilvel managed to save one of the children. Family members helped her save the other two children but couldn't reach Senthilvel.

Her body was eventually swept back to shore and CPR was performed, but she could not be revived.