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On August 22, 2008, Paul Maximiliano, "Paul Max", and his family arranged a camping trip at Clam Beach - located at KM 71, HWY 1D Toll Road Tijuana to Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico. After settling in, and setting up camp, Paul and two of his cousins headed to the ocean to swim and boogie board. 

 

An unexpected current began pulling Paul and his cousins further out, separating the group. In seeing his cousin struggling in the midst of the strong outgoing currents, Paul whom was an experience swimmer having had completed two summers of swimming camps, attempted to swim back to his cousin. Parents of Paul were notified of the emergency and immediately ran to shoreline to help. His father begun swimming towards his son to rescue him, when suddently a rogue wave landed onto Paul. He was never seen thereafter. 

 

Members of the family had stayed on the beach for 11 weeks after the tragic incident. Family members, first responders and concerned citizens from Mexico and United States conducted a massive search for Paul. 

 

Pauls' body has never been recovered. He was just 11 years old. 

 

Parents, Jerry and Raquel, hope through sharing their story, they may help to prevent similar situations and educate beach goers of the severity of ocean currents and importance ocean safety.