Long Beach police were seeking the public's help today to identify a woman who nearly drowned late last week while swimming in the ocean near the Belmont Shore section of Long Beach.
The swimmer, a Filipina or Latina in her mid-to-late 20s, was rescued Friday by Long Beach city lifeguards in the water near 56th Place and Ocean Boulevard, said Long Beach police Sgt. Dina Zapalski.
The woman was not breathing or conscious when she was pulled from the water. She had no identification and was alone.
She was transferred to an area hospital, where she remained unconscious and in critical condition Monday.
The woman is described as 5 foot 4 to 5 foot 6 and 130 to 150 pounds, with shoulder-length, red-tinted hair that has brown roots. At the time of her rescue, she was wearing a one-piece magenta bathing suit and a religious necklace made of black fabric that said "Our Lady of Mt. Carmel" and "Our Lady Scapular Promise."
She has a birthmark on the outside of her left knee.
Anyone with information should call the Long Beach Police Department at (562) 435-6711.
duke.helfand@latimes.com
