Four lifeguards were injured Friday night, March 28, after they came to the rescue of a pair of people who were swept off the South Mission Jetty by waves. None of the lifeguards were severely injured but the woman rescued was in critical condition and was helicoptered out.
Lt. Rick Romero with San Diego Fire Rescue said a lifeguard at the South Mission Tower saw a man and woman get washed off the rocks at the jetty around 6:30 p.m. on Friday, after they had gone to the end of the jetty to check out the waves. Romero said:
“They walked out there to hang out and watch the surf, and, obviously, the surf comes in and surprised them, and they got knocked off their feet and suffered injuries by getting hit by the rocks, getting slammed on the jetty.”
After not being able to quickly locate the couple, the lifeguard called for a rescue boat and additional lifeguard resources. Rescuers were sent “… via boat, jet ski and by actually walking out onto the jetty. We were able to locate both people and tried to extricate them out.”
But because the woman was seriously injured and unconscious, lifeguards called in a helicopter to airlift her.
When the lifeguards began to walk back to the beach and the landing zone where the medics were, they got hit by waves and injured. All six of those injured were taken to local hospitals. Fortunately, the lifeguards’ injuries were not severe and were described as cuts and abrasions.
Romero:
“We had really high surf: 8-plus foot on the jetty. It’s very treacherous. a lot of wind, and we’re just making sure our staff members get all the treatment right now.”
The lieutenant advised others that as a general rule, if the rocks are wet, stay back.
News source: 7SanDiego
I thought there was a sign partway out the north jetty warning people of the dangers from rogue waves when surf is up.