This morning, Tuesday January 2nd at around 10:23 am, Tillamook County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to assist Nestucca Fire-Rescue, Tillamook Ambulance and Netarts-Oceanside Fire-Rescue personnel with a water rescue which occurred at Cape Kiwanda Beach in Pacific City. The U.S. Coast Guard was also notified and Tillamook 911 dispatched and provided communications during this call.
Two local surfers were being pushed by wind and swells towards the rocks on the north side of the beach. One of the surfers was able to ride a wave in safely to the beach, while the other was pushed further out.
The surfers were experienced and were wearing appropriate wetsuits for conditions. The surfer still in the water was able to stay with his board, and used hand signals to let responders know his position and that he was okay.
Nestucca Fire-Rescue personnel launched their rescue drone which had a personal flotation device (PFD) tethered below it. Responders lost sight of the surfer for a short period of the time. During the time, the surfer was able to paddle around the Cape and work his way toward Mcphillip’s Beach.
“The Coast Guard was activated, but thankfully the man was able to paddle to shore on the north side of the Cape, where we had personnel stationed,” said Nestucca Fire Chief Jim Oeder. “He was tired but uninjured.”