Santa Barbara Surfer Rescued After Clinging to Lobster Trap Buoy Amid High Waves
A 26-year-old surfer was rescued after being swept off his board by strong waves at Haskell’s Beach in Goleta, Santa Barbara County. The incident occurred during a night surfing session when the surfer, accompanied by a friend, was pulled into the water, and his surfboard washed ashore. His friend promptly called 911, leading to a rescue operation by the Santa Barbara County Fire Department. Utilizing aerial drones, the rescue team located the surfer approximately a quarter-mile offshore, clinging to a lobster trap buoy. This buoy prevented him from drifting further out to sea. The water rescue team successfully brought him back to shore, and he did not require medical attention. The Fire Department emphasized the importance of not entering the ocean alone, especially in rough conditions, as having a companion can be life-saving. 
