Adriana Sutton

What looks like a perfect swimming hole can hide serious danger beneath the surface. This morning, CAL FIRE CZU, California State Parks, the Felton Fire Protection District, with assistance from the Zayante Fire Protection District and AMR, responded to a medical emergency at the Garden of Eden, south of Felton. When rescuers arrived, they found a person with a moderate injury who was still in the water. A swift water rescue team and a medical helicopter were requested, but both were canceled after California State Parks lifeguards safely reached the patient. The patient was then transported by AMR to a trauma center by ground ambulance. While the water at the Garden of Eden may look deep enough to jump into, it can be extremely dangerous. Winter storms can move large rocks and logs into the swimming hole, creating hidden hazards beneath the surface. Never assume the water is safe for diving or jumping. – at Felton, CA

8 RESCUED AT PANTHER STATE BEACH 🚁 This evening just before 8pm, a person texted 911 reporting that 11 people were trapped in a cave near Davenport and the water was rising. It was reported that several of the people trapped did not know how to swim. CAL FIRE, Santa Cruz County Fire, Coast Guard, Santa Cruz City with one lifeguard, Santa Cruz Harbor Patrol, and CA State Parks lifeguard responded. The cave had two exits, either through the water to a beach with access to the bluffs, or out onto a pocket beach where the trail was two steep to get to the bluffs. The five people who could swim waded out of the cave with assistance from the lifeguards. The remaining three people on the beach who could not swim were hoisted by the Coast Guard to a nearby bluff. SAFETY MESSAGE: Always check local tide charts before heading out, as rising waters can rapidly trap you against coastal cliffs with no escape route. If you do become stranded by a high tide, move to the highest safe point and call 911 immediately—do not attempt to climb unstable cliffs or swim through heavy surf. @sccounty @santacruz_fire @CAStateParksSC

We are truly sorry for the loss that occurred yesterday at Gray Whale Cove State Beach in San Mateo County, where a person suffered a medical emergency and fell from the cliffs, turning a rescue into a recovery. In the wake of this sad tragedy, we are reminded of the inherent beauty and the unpredictable nature of our coastline. While the views are breathtaking, the terrain can be unstable. We want to encourage everyone visiting our shores to stay mindful of their surroundings and maintain a safe distance—ideally at least 10 feet—from cliff edges. You may notice our personnel, like the firefighter pictured here, working near the edge during operations. It is important to note that they are equipped with specialized "edge protection," including helmets and safety ropes, which allows them to safely act as the "eyes and ears" for the Incident Commander. This rigorous safety protocol is what enables us to coordinate complex rescues and maintain a vantage point that would otherwise be unsafe. We are profoundly grateful for the seamless coordination of all the agencies who responded to this incident: CAL FIRE, Coastside Fire, Pillar Point Harbor Patrol, @NoCoFire (Pacifica Fire), CHP-H30, CAL FIRE, San Mateo County Fire, @SMCSheriff, and CA State Parks. We remain committed to your safety and ask that you help us by staying back and staying safe. @sanmateoco #CaWx