A teenage beachgoer was caught in strong waves and treacherous currents while swimming in San Juan, La Union.
A video showing the incident went viral, capturing a 16-year-old female resident of Zaragoza, Nueva Ecija, being swept by the waves in Barangay Urbiztondo. It also shows two of her companions struggling to make it back to shore.
Reports said the teen was dragged about 15 meters from the shore by strong waves.
A member of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), who was on patrol at that time, rescued her and brought her safely back to the beach.
She was medically assessed and found to be in good physical condition, with no visible injuries, and was later reunited with her family after the near-drowning incident.
Meanwhile, the PCG returned to its lifeguard tower and continued monitoring the area.
“Remain vigilant. Heed advisories. Safety at sea is a shared responsibility,” the Coast Guard Station La Union reminded the public in a social media post.
Others also warned that beachgoers should refrain from swimming whenever large waves are present, stressing the dangers of strong currents and unpredictable sea conditions.
“Aba, kapag ganyan kalaki alon, hindi na dapat naligo,” a Facebook user said.
“Parang pang surfing ang alon. Never to go sa dangerous area. Pwede sa shoreline lang, sa may buhangin,” another commented.
“Bakit kasi andyan kayo, ang lalaki ng alon. Buti na lang nasagip. Thanks sa watchman na alerto,” a different Facebook user wrote.
In November 2025, the PCG also rescued a male beachgoer who nearly drowned at Kabsat Beach Resort in the same barangay.
Similar to the recent incident, the man was swept by strong waves and later said he struggled against powerful currents while swimming.
Authorities noted that the Northeast monsoon, or “amihan,” is currently prevailing over the country, contributing to rough sea conditions along the seaboards of northern Luzon due to wind surges.
