Officials said a California mother of two drowned Sunday night as she tried to save three children who were swept away by strong currents at San Francisco Bay Area beach.

Aarti Senthilvel’s brother-in-law told The Mercury News said Senthilvel and 10 other people were standing in calm ankle-deep water when waves and an undertow pulled them out to sea. While the group formed a human chain, all but Senthilvel, 47, was able to be rescued, he said. Reports indicated that Senthilvel own two children were saved due to the impromptu human chain.

Senthilvel was ultimately swept back to shore but emergency crews were unable to revive her. San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Rosemerry Blankswade said the substitute lunch supervisor saved as many as three children that fateful night.

The state parks department is leading the investigation into the mother of two’s death.

“Our hearts go out to the victim and her family during this tragedy,” California Department of Parks and Recreation public safety superintendent Bill Wolcott told the San Francisco Chronicle. “The safety of our park visitors is our top priority. This tragic incident serves as a reminder to always be aware of beach hazards such as changing tides, waves, and currents. It is a reminder to never turn your back to the ocean.”

The brother-in-law, who wished to remain anonymous, told KTVU that Senthilvel wasn’t a good swimmer and tried to stay near shore for that reason.

“She was a lively person,” the brother-in-law said of Senthilvel. “Always open to helping out others.”

[Featured Image: Aarti Senthilvel/Facebook]