Oregon Firefighters Rescue Surfer Stranded by Rip Current at Cape Kiwanda
PACIFIC CITY, Ore. — A routine day at Cape Kiwanda Beach turned perilous on Saturday when two surfers were caught in a powerful rip current, resulting in one being stranded at the base of a steep rock cliff. Firefighters from the Nestucca Rural Fire Protection District swiftly responded to the emergency, deploying specialized rescue equipment to reach the stranded surfer and bring him to safety.
The incident unfolded when the rip current swept the surfers away from shore. One managed to return safely with assistance from fellow surfers, but the other was pushed against a rock cliff and found himself unable to climb out. The Nestucca Rural Fire Protection District utilized a quick-rappel system, equipment recently acquired through a grant from Oregon State Parks, to safely descend the cliff face and reach the stranded individual.
“Our rescue crew deployed our quick-rappel system, allowing firefighters to safely reach the surfer, assist him up the cliff, and escort him back down to the parking lot,” the district reported via social media. Both surfers declined medical attention following the rescue.
Additional support came from North Lincoln Fire & Rescue, which responded with Water Rescue 16 to provide downstream safety, and the U.S. Coast Guard, which dispatched a helicopter to assist with aerial oversight of the operation. The Coast Guard’s involvement highlights the critical role of federal agencies in coastal emergencies, as outlined by the U.S. Coast Guard.
Rip currents are a common hazard along Oregon’s rugged coastline, often catching swimmers and surfers off guard. According to the National Weather Service, rip currents are powerful channels of water flowing away from shore that can quickly pull even experienced swimmers into dangerous situations.
The coordinated response by local fire departments and federal agencies underscores the importance of preparedness and interagency cooperation in maritime rescues. The Nestucca Rural Fire Protection District’s use of grant-funded equipment exemplifies how targeted investments can enhance public safety capabilities.
Visitors to Oregon’s beaches are urged to remain vigilant about ocean conditions and heed warnings about rip currents. The Oregon State Police Beach Safety program offers guidance on recognizing and escaping rip currents, which is vital knowledge for anyone enjoying the state’s scenic but sometimes treacherous coastline.
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