2 Rescued After Falling, Jumping From Cliffs

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, CA – The Santa Cruz Fire Department had a busy Tuesday night responding
to two major calls in the city within hours of each of other.

The first call came in at 6:40 p.m. and involved a subject who, according to fire officials, jumped into the surf of the cove north of Lighthouse Point.

Fire officials said witnesses saw the man jump into the water from a cliff edge. He was clinging to the rocks just above the surf and unable to get out when rescuers arrived.

Fire rescuers swam to the man and got him out of the cove to the outside of the swim line where a harbor patrol boat was waiting. The boat took him to the Santa Cruz Yacht Harbor boat launch and he was transported to Dominican Hospital for treatment and evaluation, fire officials said.

The second call came in at 10:46 p.m. and involved a man who fell from a cliff at West Cliff Drive and Stockton Avenue. Fire crews found the victim had fallen 20 feet to a rock ledge below.

Fire officials said he was semi-conscious and had multiple injuries when they arrived. Rescuers brought him to the top of the cliff with rescue ropes.

He was then airlifted to a trauma center in Santa Clara County for treatment and observation, according to fire officials.

The fire department warns the public to stay away from a cliff's edge - especially at night when they can become wet and unstable - and to obey all posted signs. In addition, the department warns to stay away from
cliffs if drinking as alcohol can impair balance and judgment.

The fire department also advises the public to only swim in designated areas within your swim ability.

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