Half Moon Bay lifeguard receives accolades after saving father and son from rip current

A Half Moon Bay lifeguard was recently recognized by local fire agencies and the governor’s office for saving the lives of a father and son last month.

California State Parks lifeguard Luke Polonchek was on duty at Francis Beach on March 17 when a 12-year-old boy’s attempt to retrieve a lost skimboard resulted in him being swept into the ocean about 40 yards from shore. The boy’s father attempted to rescue his son by paddling out to him on a surfboard, but he too became caught in the strong current.