On June 12, 2021 at approximately 1:30 pm, Cannon Beach Fire District and Seaside Fire’s Surf Rescue Team were dispatched for a juvenile in the water, being “sucked out” by the tide north of Haystack Rock.
Cannon Beach Fire Incident Commander and Cannon Beach Police contacted the family and confirmed that a juvenile was still in the water and had been swept out by the tide.
A Cannon Beach Rescue Swimmer arrived and entered the water on the north side of Haystack Rock and began a search. Seaside Fire jet skis arrived shortly after to assist with search and rescue operations. A Coast Guard helicopter joined the search and located the victim, directing personnel to their location. The victim was brought to shore by a jet ski and rescue swimmer. LifeFlight landed on the beach and the patient was flown to the hospital.
At this time, Cannon Beach Fire cannot release any further information on the patient’s condition.
Cannon Beach Fire District and Seaside Fire & Rescue would like to remind everyone the Pacific Ocean currents are unpredictable and rip currents can take a person out in a matter of seconds. Although ambient air and ocean temperatures are becoming warmer, the water is still very cold and can rapidly decrease a swimmer’s ability.
If you see a distressed person in the water call 911 immediately.
Cannon Beach Fire District and Seaside Fire & Rescue are primarily volunteer based departments, and it takes time to assemble personnel for a rescue. Surf Rescue calls in our district are a joint operation between Cannon Beach Fire District, Seaside Fire & Rescue, and Nehalem Bay Fire & Rescue.
Cannon Beach Fire District would like to thank Seaside Fire & Rescue, Nehalem Bay Fire & Rescue, Cannon Beach Police, LifeFlight, U.S. Coast Guard, and MEDIX Ambulance for their assistance in this rescue.