'We came to say a little prayer for the families'

YACHATS, Ore. -- People go to the coast to relax.

But the same waves that bring peace can also bring devastation.

Flowers now overlook the area where two South Eugene seniors died. Jack Harnsongkram and Connor Ausland drowned on Saturday when what's called a "sneaker" wave swept them off the rocks and into the ocean.

Larry and Darlene Frack have been coming to Yachats for 23 years.

"We just felt we had to come out," Larry Frack said.

"We came to say a little prayer for the families," Darlene Frack said. "We have so many grandchildren that age and it's just so sad to have them just be washed away out of your sight."

Beyond the flowers is the jagged coastline and the Pacific Ocean. People who spend a lot of time out there say you always have to be on-guard.

Steve Bethers walks the beach path almost every day. He said he only walks on the rocks at low tide - and never when the surf is rough.

"It gets pretty violent," Bethers said. "So if you fall down in there, you are not going to get out."

KVAL News saw lots of "sneaker" waves on an otherwise mild day at the Oregon Coast. 

The Coast Guard said "sneaker" waves sweep about three people off the coast of Oregon and into the ocean every year.

Beachgoers on Tuesday said that's too many.

"It's getting to be tough," Frack said.

A memorial has been planned for Connor Ausland. The service is planned for next Monday, Feb. 14 at 3 p.m. at Temple Beth Israel.

Ausland's aunt said students will walk together from South Eugene High School to the temple.

The basketball team will lead them down the bike bath. Ausland was a member of the team.

KVAL News does not yet know when Jack Harnsongkram's service is, but we will let you know when we find out.