Rescuers rush to help dad and teen after finding them trapped on rocks at Oregon beach
A dad and his 15-year-old son ended up stranded on rocks after boogie boarding off an Oregon beach, fire officials said.
First responders got to Indian Beach at about 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 19, the Cannon Beach Rural Fire Protection District said in a news release.
A bystander at the beach had reported “seeing the pair drifting north before losing sight of them,” the U.S. Coast Guard said in a Jan. 19 Facebook post.
It took minutes for rescuers to spot them on the rocks, fire officials said.
Fire officials were ready to send two rescue swimmers into the water, but the Coast Guard brought a helicopter and retrieved the two boogie boarders, officials said.
They were evaluated and refused medical transportation.
What are sneaker waves?
Fire officials are now warning the public about sneaker waves.
“Sneaker waves can appear rapidly and run up significantly farther on a beach than normal, including over rocks and jetties,” officials said.
These waves can be dangerous and even deadly because they can sweep someone into the ocean, according to the National Weather Service.
Beachgoers should check weather forecasts and be cautious when getting near or into the water. If you witness someone getting swept away, do not go into the water after them, fire officials said.
Instead, call 911 and keep a close eye on them until rescuers can get to the scene.
Indian Beach is in Ecola State Park, which is on the northern Oregon coastline.
This story was originally published January 20, 2025 at 8:35 AM with the headline "Rescuers rush to help dad and teen after finding them trapped on rocks at Oregon beach."
