Mission Bay Swimmer Confirmed Dead ID'd: Police

The swimmer was found face down in the swim zone at Bonita Cove Saturday

A man confirmed dead after lifeguards found him face down and unconscious in waist-deep water in Mission Bay has been identified, according to San Diego police. 

51-year-old Wilson Lauvao, of San Diego, was standing in the water, lifeguards said, with other people. His relationship to the other people is unclear. They turned away, but when they turned back he was unconscious in the water. 

Lifeguards were nearby and saw what happened. 

The rescue happened just before 12:30 p.m. in the Bonita Cove swim zone. San Diego Lifeguard Lt. Rick Romero told NBC 7 Lauvao was unresponsive and was not breathing when lifeguards pulled him from the bay.

Emergency responders performed CPR and made other efforts to revive him. Lauvao was rushed to UC San Diego Medical Center and was pronounced dead shortly after arriving. 

The coroner is investigating the cause of death. 

Bonita Cove is a popular spot on Mission Bay, located at 1100 West Mission Bay Dr., that includes a swim zone, large playground, fire rings and barbecue grills.

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