San Diego Lifeguards Save 4 Cliff Jumpers in High Surf

Four people are safe today after San Diego lifeguards executed a complex rescue operation at Sunset Cliffs on Saturday afternoon. The group had been recreationally jumping off the cliffs when powerful surf trapped them against the rocky coastline.

The rescue required both land and sea approaches to reach everyone in distress. Three jumpers were saved through technical cliff-rescue operations, while lifeguards used a watercraft to pull the fourth person from the churning water around 1:45 p.m.

One person was transported to a local hospital with injuries that weren't life-threatening. The other three walked away without any injuries, a fortunate outcome considering the dangerous conditions.

The National Weather Service had issued a high surf advisory for San Diego's coastal areas through Sunday morning. Waves were reaching up to 10 feet, and dangerous rip currents made the water especially treacherous for anyone caught in it.

The Bright Side

This rescue showcases the exceptional training and coordination of San Diego's lifeguard teams. They regularly practice cliff rescues precisely for scenarios like this one, combining technical rope work with watercraft operations to reach people in impossible spots.

Their quick response and dual approach meant everyone was rescued efficiently despite the challenging conditions. The lifeguards' expertise turned what could have been a tragedy into a story of professional rescue work at its finest.

San Diego lifeguards are reminding everyone to stay out of the water during surf advisories unless you're an experienced swimmer. They also caution against cliff jumping, which becomes even more dangerous when Mother Nature kicks up the waves.

The rescue serves as a powerful reminder that our coastal first responders are always ready, trained for the toughest conditions to bring people home safe.