Heartbroken family members of two college students who drowned after they were pulled into the ocean last week have spoken out about the tragedy to deny they were napping when they were struck by the ferocious tides.

Harshita Nair, 21, and Mahial Sran, 20, both from Fremont, California, died after they were swept up in a 'sneaker wave' while sunbathing on Panther Beach in Bonny Doon, Santa Cruz on June 10.

Their escape route was then sealed off by the enormous, unexpected coastal wave that surged much further up the beach than any of the preceding waves.

Neither Nair nor Sran had been napping on the beach as earlier reports suggested, Nair's grieving father, Ashok Nair insisted to the California Post.

'They weren't sleeping there, because their bags were completely dry,' Ashok said, explaining that if the girls had been asleep, they wouldn't be napping away from their belongings.

'If they were sleeping, their bags would also have gone with them or would have been completely wet,' he noted. 

Sran's teenage brother, Aagman, also noted that his sister was a responsible young woman who cared for him and all those around her.

'She always took care of whatever needed to be done. She always delivered,' he said. 

Cal Fire spokesman Michael Horn said officials were first alerted about the tragedy at 5pm and eight rescuers promptly swam into the dangerous waters to save the two longtime friends.

One of the rescuers, who did not want to be named, said he brought Sran ashore after diving into a six-foot break along with another responder. 

Nair had already been pulled from the ocean close to Yellow Bluff Beach. The pair had entered the shoreline via a keyhole in the rocks.

The term 'keyhole' refers to a section of shoreline that allows access to a smaller stretch of sand, but only when the tide is out or waves are not crashing through it. 

'We go through that keyhole, and there's waves crashing through it,' the swimmer previously told the Post. 'And then me and my partner, we start searching for the second victim.'

The rescuer said he saw the young woman floating face down, about 20 yards from the shore.  

'I'm able to get her up on my chest and keep her airway out of the water, and my partner is able to swim over and clip in with me, and we just swim her in together,' he said.

Both women were alive when they were pulled from the water. 

But Nair died soon after she was recovered, while Sran was rushed to the hospital where she received emergency treatment until Saturday. 

The two women graduated together from Washington High School in 2023. 

They were due to graduate college in 2027, Nair in legal studies at UC Berkeley and Sran in public health and psychology at San José State University.

Nair hoped to work in law and public service to directly help communities and expand their access to opportunity. 

At school, Sran was a member of the Public Health Peer Ambassadors club which hosts productivity workshops and social events to help public health students. 

Officials at the school said: 'The entire SJSU community shares in the grief felt by those who loved and cared for her.'

Meanwhile at Berkeley officials said Nair's death caused 'immense sadness' at the school.

'We wish to extend our condolences to this student’s family and friends,' spokesman Adam Ratliff told the San Francisco Chronicle. 

The outgoing Associated Students of the University of California (ASUC) President at UC Berkeley, Abigail Verino, also noted on social media that Nair once won the superlative of 'Most likely to be the kindest soul.'

'That superlative describes exactly the incredible person she was to every person she crossed paths with,' Verino posted. 'Her warmth, love for life and compassion are what she would be forever known for.'

'The Office of the President remembers and celebrates her vibrant spirit that made the office what it was,' she added.

An online obituary further described Nair as a 'cherished sister, granddaughter and a treasured friend to many.' 

'In her short but beautiful life, Harshita left an unforgettable mark on everyone fortunate enough to know her,' it read, saying she radiated, 'energy, warmth and joy wherever she went.'

'She had a deep love for adventure and embraced every moment with enthusiasm and courage,' the obituary continued. 'Her spirit was contagious, her laughter uplifting and her presence comforting.'

It then went on to say Nair, 'simply could not bear to see anyone sad.'

'Harshita always found a way to lift others up, to brighten their day and to make them feel seen and valued.

'Her kindness, compassion and unwavering positivity touched countless lives,' the obituary said.

'Though her time with us was far too short, the love she gave and the joy she shared will continue to inspire and guide us,' it concluded. 

Fremont Mayor Raj Salwan also remembered the college students in his own statement posted to Facebook on Tuesday, saying their 'young lives were filled with promise.'

'Our Fremont community is heartbroken by this tragic loss,' he said. 'My deepest condolences are with the families, friends, classmates and everyone grieving this unimaginable loss.'

The mayor then urged residents to exercise caution at nearby beaches, as the California coast continues to be pounded by strong ocean swells.

Panther Beach in particular is known for having a steep surf line and strong currents that combine to create dangerous conditions.

'Sneaker waves, strong currents and rising tides can strike without warning,' Salwan said, reminding residents to 'never turn your back on the ocean.'