Oceanside authorities credited a local surfer with saving a man who reportedly jumped off the Oceanside Pier Thursday, March 12.
Oceanside Fire Department ocean response, lifeguards and police arrived to the scene just before 7:30 p.m. when reports came in of a person jumping off the pier into the ocean, according to an Oceanside Fire Department report.
“Due to the nighttime conditions and limited visibility, Oceanside Fire crews initiated an ocean rescue response and worked in close coordination with the Oceanside Police Department and Oceanside Lifeguards to search for the individual in the water,” the Fire Department’s report stated. “Oceanside Police deployed a drone to assist with aerial search operations while an Oceanside Lifeguard rescue boat searched for the waters surrounding the pier.”
During the search, a surfer located the person who jumped, a man who was not identified by authorities, and brought him to shore on his surfboard. Paramedics treated the man on the scene and transported him to Tri-City Medical Center.
“The Oceanside Fire Department would like to recognize the actions of the local surfer whose quick response played a key role in bringing the individual to safety,” the Fire Department stated in its report. “The coordinated efforts of Oceanside Fire, Oceanside Police, Oceanside Lifeguards, and members of the public helped bring the incident to a safe conclusion.”
Authorities did not name the surfer who helped the man.
Although authorities did not state what led to the man’s jump, the Fire Department’s report included a reminder that entering the water from structures such as the pier can be dangerous, especially at night or under the influence of alcohol.
