High Surf — Northern Monterey Bay, California

2014-01-24 · Northern Monterey Bay, California

Event narrative

A man was boogie boarding in Monterey Bay near the Santa Cruz Lighthouse in very rough surf. Lifeguards approached him and attempted to remove him from the area but he did not want assistance. Shortly after, a set of waves slammed him into the rocks. Rescue swimmers went in and were unable to retrieve him due to rough surf - in fact they were injured themselves. A second set of swimmers were able to get the man, and pulled him from the water. He was taken to a local hospital but later died.

Wider weather episode

High surf and dangerous rip currents occurred along the coastline of Central and Northern California. This resulted in water rescues, injured swimmers, and a death.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 498267. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.