Two longtime friends, Donna Dubray and Paul Carbullido Jr., rented jet skis for an hourlong excursion that turned into a fight for survival. Stranded in the Pacific Ocean off Long Beach, Calif., after their jet skis were swept away, the pair clung to life jackets while choking on fierce waves. Ms. Dubray, a strong swimmer and recovering addict who viewed the ocean as a sanctuary, attempted to push Mr. Carbullido toward a distant light before setting off to seek help. Mr. Carbullido, dazed after being thrown from his jet ski, was unable to comprehend the urgency. Ms. Dubray swam for hours, shouting her friend's name, but received no response. She was eventually rescued, but the whereabouts of Mr. Carbullido remained uncertain for hours.

The incident occurred after they rented equipment from Airbnski, unaware of a state law prohibiting personal watercraft operation after sunset. The hasty rental lacked safety instructions, leaving the friends unprepared for the dangerous conditions.