By SDCN Staff
Oceanside, CA–A man was rescued from the ocean Thursday evening after authorities say he jumped from the north end of the Oceanside Pier.
The Oceanside Fire Department responded to reports of a man in the water shortly after the incident was reported. Because of nighttime conditions and limited visibility, firefighters initiated a coordinated ocean rescue operation alongside the Oceanside Police Department and city lifeguards.
Police officers deployed a drone to assist with the aerial search while an Oceanside lifeguard rescue boat scanned the waters around the pier.
During the search, a surfer who was in the area located the man in the water and brought him safely back to shore on a surfboard.
Paramedics evaluated the individual on the beach before transporting him to Tri-City Medical Center for further medical care.
Fire officials praised the surfer for acting quickly to assist in the rescue, noting that the coordinated efforts of firefighters, police, lifeguards, and the public helped bring the incident to a safe conclusion.
The fire department also reminded residents and visitors that entering the ocean from structures such as piers can be extremely dangerous, particularly at night or when alcohol is involved, and urged the public to follow posted safety guidelines near the water.
