ASTORIA, Ore. — The Coast Guard rescued a surfer from the waters of the Yachats River near Yachats, Ore., Wednesday.
The Yachats Fire Department contacted Coast Guard Station Yaquina Bay, Ore., at approximately 3:10 p.m. after responding to a call to assist a 45-year-old male who had fallen from his board in heavy surf.
Station Yaquina Bay launched a 47-foot motor lifeboat crew and a shore unit crew while an HH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew was dispatched from Air Facility Newport, Ore. The helicopter crew managed to hoist the man to safety and deliver him to a parking lot near the beach where he was treated for exposure by Yachats Fire Department personnel. There were no injuries reported.
The Coast Guard reminds all beach goers to pay close attention to weather and water conditions before going offshore and to have a clear understanding of their own level of skill before attempting to surf or boat in rough conditions. Riptides, strong currents and flotsam and other debris are an ever-present threat in the waters along the Oregon coast.
