Woman drowns after trying to save others

Aarti Senthilvel helped save at least one teenager but perished in the process, her brother-in-law said

HALF MOON BAY >> Aarti Senthilvel’s nature was to help people.

It’s why despite not being a strong swimmer the 47-year-old Pleasanton wife and mother of two scrambled to rescue friends and family caught in a rip current Sunday at Cowell Ranch State Beach.

Senthilvel helped save at least one teenager, but perished in the process, said her brother-in-law, who asked not to be named.

“That’s who she was,” he said. “She probably didn’t realize that she was in more danger.”

The brother-in-law said Senthilvel and 10 others were standing ankle-deep in calm water about 6:30 p.m. when sneaker waves and an undertow suddenly swept them off their feet and out to sea.

The group formed a human chain and all but Senthilvel were rescued, the brother-in-law said.

Emergency personnel arrived and pulled Senthilvel from the water but were unable to revive her, said San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Rosemerry Blankswade.

According to Blankswade, Senthilvel helped rescue as many as three children and teens.

“While they were attending to the children they didn’t realize she was taken by the undertow,” Blankswade said.

“Cowell Beach is definitely infamous for this type of current, and we want to remind everybody with the holiday coming up to be safe,” said Blankswade, referring to the Fourth of July.

The brother-in-law said Senthilvel volunteered at her children’s high schools. She was also active in the community, providing her services as a classically trained dancer.

“She was a lively person,” he said. “Always open to helping others.”

Senthilvel’s death follows three similar incidents last month in which people drowned or nearly died while rescuing children in the state.

A father and daughter drowned in the San Joaquin River, the Visalia Delta Times reported. Days later, a 7-month-old boy was rescued. His rescuer survived but was seriously injured.