Edhat Staff
By the edhat staff
Santa Barbara County firefighters responded to Goleta Beach on Monday afternoon for a report of a surfer in distress.
At 3:30 p.m., crews arrived in the area between Campus Point at UC Santa Barbara and Goleta Beach.
Fellow surfers and bystanders pulled an unconscious male from the ocean and began performing CPR prior to firefighter arrival.
“Despite resuscitative efforts by the surfers and SBC Fire medics, the patient was pronounced deceased,” said Captain Scott Safechuck.
Safechuck stated it appeared to be a cardiac arrest situation, although the official cause of death is unknown.
The identity of the surfer has yet to be released.
[UPDATE]:
A local surfer who attempted to revive the deceased, wrote a moving tribute about the incident that can be read here.
Sorry to hear that–RIP ocean brother.
Doing what he loved isn’t a bad way to go…
yes it sure is
I agree going down while doing what you love isn’t a bad way to go. I wouldn’t be blaming COVID for this. That’s really far-reaching. These things have happened forever. It’s just that nowadays everyone immediately hears about it over and over through social media.
BASIC – no one is blaming covid for this, just pointing out the risks of similar things happening due to long covid. Sad all around and hopefully this isn’t going to be an increasing situation.
Rip.it seems to be a world wide problem. Athletic people dying of heart attacks. I have a friend who is a mortition and is very concerned about what he is seeing.
Too many people suddenly collapsing during activities. What’s happening? Is it the warmer climate?
i found him and swam him into shore and started cpr until the rescue and fire dept showed up….im sorry he did not make it. But at least he was doing what he love to do.
i wish I could have done more …I hope someone organises a paddle out…
Thank you for your kindness . The water was quite cold. Good surf but cold.
i wish I could have done more …I hope someone organises a paddle out
Mr. Jack, do take care of yourself in the aftermath of this. What an event to go through… You did good.
thank you…
there was no other option other than to get his head elevated and get him to the shore ASAP and start CPR to give him a chance. Most surfers should know some of these little things about rescue in case it happens near you. You can help your fellow man. He did catch a really great set wave, about eight or nine minutes before. The ocean got quiet and became sublimely calm while I was on the beach trying to revive him.
JJACK–
Thank you so much for looking out for a fellow water person–we need to be there for each other when we can, I’m very sorry that you had to go through that, but thank you.
JJACKINTELL,
Thank you for you extraordinary efforts to save my friend.
Jack, thank you for trying! It’s heartening to see people rush in to help. Our fellow water people are the best.
still processing the feelings / aura you feel after the very moment a soul passes
Sorry to hear this. Rest in peace.
So SADS
xx