ARUNAY FOUNDATION

Arunay was our 12-year-old son, full of life, playing on the beach with friends and family on the warm day of January 18th, 2021, when a sneaker wave tragically carried him into the sea. Despite all efforts, he was never found, and on March 1, 2021, we had to make the heartbreaking decision to end the search.

Athletic, witty, and kind, Arunay excelled at every sport he played—soccer being his favorite. He loved music, movies, and his friends, and he had a sharp and intelligent mind. Losing him to an unseen danger at the beach was a tragedy no parent should ever face.

The Arunay Foundation was created to transform our grief into purpose—raising awareness about the very real dangers of sneaker waves and educating others on beach and ocean safety. Most beachgoers are unaware that sneaker waves on the West Coast claim more lives annually than all other weather-related hazards combined.

The rugged coasts of California, Oregon, and Washington, though breathtakingly beautiful, can be perilous. We didn’t know the risks—what sneaker waves were, how to recognize hazardous conditions, or what life-saving actions to take. We believe that with the right awareness and resources, such losses can be prevented.

Guided by Arunay’s light, our mission is to ensure that a day at the beach always ends with laughter—not loss.

– Sharmistha & Tarun (Arunay’s Mom & Dad)