Two people were pulled to safety from the North Jetty at Oceanside Harbor on Tuesday after a powerful wave knocked one of them into the water, officials said. Both managed to scramble back onto the rocks but were hurt and stranded, unable to make it off the jetty because of the pounding high surf.
Rescue At The North Jetty
Oceanside firefighters and lifeguards rushed to the scene and deployed the department’s Marine Safety Unit to navigate the rough water and reach the rock jetty. Crews brought both people back to shore, according to The San Diego Union-Tribune. One person had been swept into the ocean by a large wave, and a second went into the water trying to help, the paper reported. Responders treated both victims for injuries at the scene before transporting them for further evaluation.
High Surf Warnings Amplified Danger
The National Weather Service had a high surf warning in effect for parts of Southern California as the swell built, making jetties and rocks especially dangerous, according to the National Weather Service. Waves in these conditions can easily wash over the jetty and whip up strong currents at the harbor entrance, making it much harder for people to rescue themselves.
Lifeguards Urge People To Stay Off The Rocks
In a public warning, the Oceanside Fire Department said lifeguards are reminding beachgoers that walking on or near the jetty presents significant hazards during large surf. Lifeguards and harbor crews say spectators and anglers should stick to the shore, enjoy the view from a safe distance, and stay off the rocks when the waves are up. The rescue serves as a pointed reminder that conditions that look manageable from the sand can turn dangerous very quickly when big swells roll in.
Both people were brought to shore and given medical attention. Officials did not immediately release their names or details about the severity of their injuries, according to The San Diego Union-Tribune. Authorities are continuing to watch surf advisories as the swell persists.
