Surfer Critically Injured After Being Swept Into Rocks In Oceanside

OCEANSIDE, CA — A surfer was hospitalized in critical condition after he was swept into rocks while trying to get out of the water in Oceanside, authorities said.

Oceanside lifeguards and Oceanside Fire Department personnel responded at 10:08 a.m. Saturday to a possible drowning near Lifeguard Tower 9 in the 1200 block of South Pacific Street.

The surfer was trying to leave the water when the surf swept him into rocks, according to the Oceanside Fire Department. He was found unconscious.

A passerby who witnessed the incident pulled the surfer from the water before emergency crews arrived, officials said.

Lifeguards and firefighters found the surfer out of the water and in critical condition. Fire personnel treated him at the scene before he was airlifted to a trauma center.

Officials urged beachgoers to use caution amid high surf conditions and to stay away from jetties, rock formations and areas without lifeguards.