In June of 1998, Theresa Robertson was an inner-city adolescent. When she was 12 years old, she skipped school with two of her friends and went to Manhattan Beach. Robertson and her friends spent the day sunbathing, surfing, and playing in the sand. Then the ocean conditions changed drastically in the northern area of the Manhattan Beach Pier.

Los Angeles County lifeguards moved Theresa and her friends, but unfortunately, Theresa Robertson drowned. She was found the following day floating in 14 feet of water.

Mary Setterholm, a surfing instructor, was teaching children Theresa’s age on the south side of the Manhattan Pier on the day of Robertson’s accident. Setterholm felt angry and helpless after the event and stated that “the Sea is here to nurture and heal” and didn’t want to claim Theresa’s life.