Ocean Rescue Near Monastery Beach, Carmel Highlands,

Monterey, CA Carmel Highlands Fire Protection District(FPD)/CAL FIRE, Cypress Fire Protection District(FPD)/CAL FIRE, and Pebble Beach Community Services District(CSD)/CAL FIRE responded to Monastery Beach at approximately 3:35 pm this afternoon for 2 people in the ocean. Initial Reports were 1 victim that was pulled into the ocean and the other, a lifeguard, caught in the high surf while attempting a rescue of the first victim. The first Engine at scene confirmed the initial report of 2 victims struggling in the surf approximately 30 feet from the shore. A Carmel Highlands / CAL FIRE rescue swimmer was the first to enter the water, just 5 minutes after the first 911 call was received. At 3:48, both victims were rescued and out of the water. Both were medically cleared by Carmel Regional Fire Ambulance at scene.

We remind the public to use caution in the water. Monterey Bay, Carmel Bay, and Carmel River State Beach are sites of strong rip current. A rip current is a narrow current of water, which moves directly away from the shore. It is so strong that it cuts through waves.

Rescuers want to remind the public to use caution in the water. This is especially important around the area of Monastery Beach in Carmel Highlands, which has a strong rip current and undertow, due to the deep water trench. When in and around the water, always:

  • Use a buddy – never swim alone
  • Know your limits, and know how to swim

before you enter the water

  • Watch for hypothermia
  • If in doubt, don’t go out

If you get caught in a rip current:

  • Don’t fight the current
  • Swim out of the current, then to shore
  • If you can’t escape, float or tread water
  • If you need help, call or wave for assistance

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MEDIA ONLY For further information on CAL FIRE’s response to incidents in San Benito and Monterey Counties, please contact the San Benito-Monterey Unit Public Information Officer at (831) 647-6257 or BEU.PIO@fire.ca.gov. For more safety tips, please visit fire.ca.gov.