By SDCN Staff
Oceanside, CA–A swimmer was rescued in critical condition Thursday evening after entering the water near the Oceanside Pier and failing to return to shore, authorities said.
At approximately 4:22 p.m. on October 24, Oceanside Lifeguards, along with the Oceanside Fire and Police Departments, responded to reports of a missing swimmer. Family members on the beach identified the area where the individual was last seen, prompting an extensive search by land, air, and sea.
Oceanside Fire personnel assumed command of the incident as lifeguards deployed rescue watercraft and a lifeguard boat. The San Diego County Sheriff’s Department helicopter unit, ASTREA, provided aerial support during the search.
ASTREA crews located the swimmer just south of the Oceanside Pier. Lifeguards and firefighters quickly responded, recovering the individual and bringing them to shore. The victim received advanced life support at the scene before being transported by the Oceanside Fire Department to a local hospital in critical condition.
Officials praised the coordinated response among Oceanside Lifeguards, Fire and Police personnel, and ASTREA, emphasizing the importance of multi-agency collaboration in coastal emergencies.
Authorities are reminding beachgoers always to swim near staffed lifeguard towers and remain cautious of unpredictable ocean conditions.
