Rescue at the wedge 9-1-2011

[@GarageDwellerPat]

For the record, the guys commentating were not filming this. I was filming it and those guys were sitting behind me. The beach was packed and there were people everywhere.

[@RR-ti8yb]

they why does the commentary perfectly line up with where you're filming if it's not you?

[@RobbyBagg10]

I work as a lifeguard since 2005, I've seen everything in the sea... But this place is another dimension, extremely dangerous. Respect for everyone seriously risking their lifes out there 🤙🏽

[@amilcarvalenca3381]

Exactly.

[@JohnDoe-xu2vx]

One evening several years ago a huge crowd was watching the really big waves. I saw a lady holding her little kids hand walking on the edge of the downslope and a wave came all the way up and knocked her small child down and sucked him all the way down the steep incline into the water. A lifeguard jumped from his tower and ran down and grabbed the kid in seconds before the next wave crashed. Absolutely saved his life. Everyone watching at the wedge that night cheered and clapped for the heroic life guard.

[@daktarioskarvannederhosen2568]

no doubt countless lives have been snatched by the sea due to underestimation of its seemingly infinite power.

[@greg8225]

That was annoying listening to the guy making comments about the lifeguards. Sometimes it's best to just keep your mouth shut and observe. Buddy of mine got pulled out of the Wedge once and the lifeguard that did it had his leg broken on the way in. Treat the guys with some respect.

[@clarkewi]

There are various levels of life guarding. Some beaches are much safer than others. The Wedge is one of the most treacherous beaches in Southern California if not THE most treacherous. You have to be a top lifeguard to work at the Wedge. I used to know one of the lifeguards at Pipeline in Hawaii. He was a regular surfer there and knew the place like the back of his hand from small to giant conditions. That is how the Pipeline lifeguards and indeed all the North Shore Hawaii lifeguards are picked. These guys are supermen.

[@prashantsharma7392]

yes you are right my frainds

[@prashantsharma7392]

yes you are right my frainds

[@fernandamarcelino78]

BOA

[@darrengregory1370]

Awsome.😚

[@vincentfreeman6257]

Had my life saved by a surfer at Huntington Beach cliffs in 1972. On one of those huge offshore double set days in September, I lost my knee board and both fins and got caught in between the 12 foot sets. I was totally gassed. There was nobody else around and I was going down. Then suddenly out of thin air, a surfer grabs me and pulls me ashore using the surf to expedite the rescue. I looked up moments later and he was gone. Thank you God.

[@hastycontemplation]

Vincent Freeman I think an angel helped you. Hebrews 13:2

[@nahnope8581]

Back out to get more waves haha!

[@erer-wn6nl]

It was me!

[@makinamakina2474]

Same thing happened to me in encuentro sosua Puerto plata d.r 1991

[@jasonleclerc6636]

How amazing I was born in 1972 and this same exact thing happened to me in 1982. History repeating mystery surfer.

[@buckeyehockey1979]

I usually don't read comments, they generally piss me off. However this time I am so greatful to see people defending these lifeguards. If the armchair lifeguard there thinks they can do it better, go for it. I guarantee in 5 mins you will be the one being rescued. I can not stand people criticising lifeguards (and other professionals too really) without having the first clue what their job is really like. First rule of rescue: DO NOT BECOME A VICTIM!

[@aggffdgubfff]

RIGHt!!!

[@davparksoh]

From a former lifeguard (city pools/lake), this video is scary stuff - guarding 300 screaming kids at a large city pool is one thing - this rescue is way beyond dangerous. The training/conditioning to become a professional lifeguard is intense - things most ppl don't realize on working this kind of beach - one cubic meter of water weighs over a ton - large breaking waves are like being hit by a truck - undertows, rip tides, sharp coral reefs/boulders, sharks, barracuda, jellyfish, debris, pollution, nearby storms - on top of ppl drunk/high or both, fights, theft...it's a lot to deal with. Experienced lifeguards working dangerous beaches & breaks know every rescue could be their last - once exhaustion/cramping sets in, so does panic & doom - and this is cold saltwater, very different from the warm tropical water off Miami - get rolled by a couple of waves & swallow water now choking or vomiting must be dealt with along with burning eyes & possible hypothermia - they're all lucky to be alive. Professional lifeguards are some of the best athletes on the planet - they don't make the big money of the NBA, NFL, MLB, but they put it all on the line to save ppl they don't even know - they're heroes plain & simple & should be paid more. I think working the wedge, these guards should always use wave runners to give them the advantage. BTW, the 2 guards watching were probably in training - weren't qualified to assist in those conditions - head guard took control & did his job - saved that guy's life!

[@sanderson9999]

dont insult the lifeguards they are hardcore as fuck and with the current at the wedge and a huge swell like this, their job is hard as fuck

[@notyourtype9837]

Yes 🙌🏼

[@tonylo6013]

The life guard who went out there deserves a medal or some sort of bonus. Well done.

[@Monkeymanxxl]

I lost my swimsuit, fins and board in big surf at the wedge. I nearly drown when three huge waves put me through the wash cycle. I finally washed up on shore completely naked, and when the surf is big there are always big crowds watching. I didn’t care, at all! I casually walk through the crowd to my towel and dried off, the crowd cheered wildly!

[@NancyR3454]

Haha! It's all part of the show, great you could contribute. But seriously, glad you made it out. The Wedge takes no prisoners.

[@jerometotes5311]

I got caught one time at OB San Francisco in the shore break on a big winter day. I was literally 25 yards from the shore and couldn’t get to shore or go back out. Every time I’d try to paddle either way another bomb unloaded on my head. No one was around. What saved my life was the decision to ditch my board and bodysurf/kamakazee an ugly wave letting it push me as far in as I could. That last 10 yards or so was a struggle after that wave. When I got to shore I thanked God to be alive.

[@jeffp.8718]

Lost my board twice on two seperate occasions over many years both due to a broken leash on maybe 8+ days. The first time I was able to overcome the exhaustion panic and eventually make my way back in over what seemed like forever. The second time was quite early in the morning and foggy where the shore wasnt visible, someone eventually appeared letting me rest on thier board for awhile until i could continue swimming. Those experiences taught me to never trust my leash and not surf conditions I wasnt sure I could swim out of on my own. Needless to say I learned a good lesson. Unexpectedley swimming 300+ yards after a long session with consistent sets in a full winter suit truly felt like a life or death experience. Im not Laird Hamilton and thats alright.

[@kennethhowell5291]

Those lifeguards at the wedge are powerful swimmers.

[@marilynrolonrivera]

My respecto to all lifeguards who risk their life for others

[@themaskedamateurmagician1209]

*for money people do their jobs for money! be realistic!

[@NancyR3454]

And handled it perfectly.

[@NancyR3454]

@Theo P Because they knew exactly what to do.

[@lilseyann133]

Others stupidity

[@A-FrameWedge]

Grew bodysurfing the Wedge, and the lifeguard in the water did the right thing, at the wedge there is a zone in the water where it is hard to get in and hard to get out, it is hard to get out because the beach is so steep from the big swell that when waves break the water will go up the steep slope then will rush down back out to sea making it tough to get in and it also contributes to making a riptide which also makes it tough to get in. The lifeguard knew not to fight the rip and just let the rip drift both of them out to sea where the boat can pick them up and he did not need the 2 lifeguards on the beach to do that.

[@hanalakri6015]

Because you think lifeguards have supernatural power that allows them to swim through these waves?

[@themaskedamateurmagician1209]

hana Lakri but you have a magical power that makes me fall in love with you

[@ryanasmar8242]

I nearly drowned out in del mar when my leash got tangled around my neck and around another guys leash, its was like 8-10 feet and it happened during one of those rouge sets that wiped us all out. After the leash wrapped around my neck, I got held underwater and the leash was dragging me to the surface by my neck. Somehow after that wave it was calm for like 45 seconds and I was able to get untangled and paddled further out to not get caught by another wave as we were too far from shore. The waves kept getting bigger and bigger and I was so tired from being choked by the dudes leash I barely didn't make it out and another wave nearly got me. Then a surfer on a longboard pulled me further out past the break by letting me hang onto his leash and paddle a bit. He stayed with me and I was able to recover and take a wave in. Scariest day of my life and If that surfer didn't pull me out past the break I don't know what would have happened. No lifeguards and nothing else but one surfer saved my life

[@jellyfish7893]

The lifeguards are doing their jobs. High respect to them.

[@killerguitarguy]

Very smart for the lifeguard to go out the back of the ripcurrent and go around instead of fighting to get back on shore. Spectators didn't know what was going on but that was the smartest thing to do very good job by them. And the lifeguards probably realized the situation unlike the other guy who went to go help him.

[@surfsquatch5]

Being at the mercy of the ocean is a terrifying place to be, I've been there and you never really get over it.

[@francisthomlinson9062]

Scary stuff

[@koreanature]

My best friend, Great Good... !!! I wish you every day of your development.

[@michaelangelos5117]

I'm a lifeguard. The first guy did a really good job. Some people always have something to say. The second and third guy got there a little too late.

[@dennisguevara9427]

Smart on Life Guards to go in further. Those waves were too much. You get stuck. Further in your safe. Boat picks you up. Good job.

[@Dan-lx1wz]

I've been in surf before, but nothing even approaching this. The takeaway is how close this guy was to getting back onshore, only to be pulled back out so easily. It's no wonder the Wedge has claimed so many people over the years.

[@joshhowe3477]

God bless these lifeguards risking their lives to save the lives of others 🙏

[@uptdc2008]

That must a pretty powerful current to have waves coming in sideways like that. Respect the power of the ocean

[@katieanddillon2914]

The lifeguards are following protocol if its not safe then they have to wait for it to be safe. im a lifeguard and see nothing wrong with this

[@notyourtype9837]

Yes exactly. Thank you. Omg 🙏🏼

[@0828daniel]

Wrong, here in Hawaii. A life lifeguard will and is highly trained at any moment to jump in any condition to save a life. The North Shore LifeGuards and Hawaiian Water Patrol are the Navy Seals or Seal team six of the LifeGuard world.

[@_Auroswim._.Ocean_Swimming]

I don't see anything "unsafe" there for a professional ocean swimmer. Those lifeguards are useless.

[@daniloperez4936]

You are correct sir.. my husband is a lifeguard too

[@NancyR3454]

@@_Auroswim._.Ocean_Swimming WTF are you talking about? The two on the beach were ready to get in if necessary but could see that the guard in the water was doing exactly what he is supposed to do in that situation. It's how they are trained.

[@ЛЯГУШКА-ПУТЕШЕСТВЕННИЦА-г4ж]

Красавчики! Люди не плавайте в такую волну! Не создавайте проблем спасателям!!!

[@louisroth5941]

Handsome lol

[@kenzfavorite5450]

Why would you say the other lifeguards aren't doing anything, are you a lifeguard? No. Then how do you know they aren't doing what they suppose to do?! It gets me upset when people assume the two other lifeguards were just standing there. Like they knew their partner had the rescue under control by the hand signal they received. They eyes never left the water and they stayed their incase their partner needed assistance(help) They weren't just standing there. They work as a team and they know what they're doing so please stop assuming things. Thanks.

[@tfGypsyKing]

Exactly

[@elkhunter8664]

Good answer. Back in my surfing days I was amazed at the fact that these lifeguards could cover so much territory. When a lifeguard goes in the water he alerts others who then have to expand their watch area to cover his. Send 2 or 3 into the water and suddenly you have a vast area of beach that no one is watching. Telling them how to do their job is like telling the navy seals how to run a mission.

[@NancyR3454]

@@elkhunter8664 Right?

[@leonardomicarelli6878]

ik this is super late but the filmer legit said the people making the comments were other spectators behind him. Just like those people assumed the lifeguards werent doing anything, please know the facts first

[@jrb1171]

I was there a few years back and even 1' deep water you can feel that current. strong under tow

[@myredequillamd]

Thumbs up to all lifeguards..!

[@yoyotwothousand]

Solid rescue. The knowitall commentators should have rescued the guy since they are the experts (not talking about the man filming and the girl). As a side note I was there on Saturday and the lifeguards told people if you're in trouble wave us down. At 1:35 a guy says “lifeguards are morons” a guy surfed since early 1970 and could not go out 1. it’s blackballed (which means no surfing) and 2. assume he was 20 back then that makes him 60 years old now. 60 year old+20 foot surf=trouble.

[@metr0labs]

I would hate to be a lifeguard at the wedge. Pounding waves, lots of current, and plenty of greenhorns.

[@HarryPotter-td9fb]

What are greenhorns?

[@HarryPotter-td9fb]

***** Haha really? You should try coming to the beaches in New Jersey. Literally NO ONE knows what they are doing XD

[@seo3794]

Wtf is Harry Potter doing here?

[@brendafoster3080]

My boyfriend Dennis would call this a small day,but bad one rips-wise.

[@noamh6046]

@Daniel afg yeah definitely

[@ECsponger2]

Everyone's an expert from the beach.. feet in the sand. Don't see anyone rushing from behind the camera out to help.. kooks.

[@heatherowens546]

exactly

[@buckeyehockey1979]

ocripcurrent you know I was think something similar. If you think you can do so damn much better, get out from behind your camera and do it. It is not easy being an ocean lifeguard. The two on the beach are not supposed to go in, they are watching incase something goes wrong. It isn't always the right choice to rush out, that's when you end up going from rescuer to victim.

[@boognation7028]

ocripcurrent your a kook along with the two yahoo lifeguards who can't even swim out!!

[@AlejandroGonzalez-wo5fk]

I despise those type of people

[@marksheehan8026]

@@boognation7028 l certainly wouldnt want you around if l was in trouble ..

[@ZoeTheCat]

Massive deep rip with difficult lateral escape routes. Best to just be drawn out every single time. DO NOT FIGHT IT. Just let the tide carry you and save energy. When waves are crashing sideways to the ocean in front of you - DO NOT GO THERE - It is a rip that carries water back to the sea.

[@mamacitadelosperros533]

I remember back in the 50s my brother and I were bodysurfing at 18th street. It turned in to a huge close out day and that very same boat, the Sea Watch, asked us if we wanted a ride. We took it! I wonder if that boat is over 60 years old, or if they got a new one and used the same name.

[@MrSurfingdreamer]

There is a lot that happens that the average person may not know is going on. For example, there may have been a rip tide that would have taken them out no matter how strong they are at swimming, then there would be even more people needing rescuing and no one to make the rescue(s). They have training and protocol for many reasons and they weren't doing anything wrong. It's easy to have hindsight bias, which is a real thing.

[@JWGDrums]

Thanks for recording this dude. Great tool.

[@edelliot]

Sickest wave I ever saw. I used to lifeguard - glad it wasn't at this place. I was in LI NY and we always sent multiple guards and swam out with the buoy and the rope then hauled the victims ass in really quick. But we would have been to the victim quicker by observing. Easy to second guess! And major props to the Cali guards - they know their shit, but going in with 2 or 3 guys is a good system . Then having the other guards pull us into shore. It was a fun practice - quite a ride!

[@shaybaby2427]

I just watched a video of a girl at the of a waterfall. She slipped and fell down the waterfall. Her boyfriend and his best friend tried to save her and all 3 died. My cousin is a marine and he wouldn’t have gone out there unless they had a plan of action. Just jumping in and winging it is what gets a person killed.

[@snakedike]

Everyone becomes an expert when they are watching a rescue from the sidelines.

[@theNVMEproject]

The lifeguards are standing there because the other lifeguard basically has the guy and hes okay. Its not like they are going to swim out and ask him if hes okay.

[@JIMJAMSC]

I got plenty of chicks and treaty like royalty at the local bars but being a beach lifeguard was tough. People who had only swam in pools or maybe a lake run into the surf and the 1st time they cannot touch bottom freak out. Get on floats and drift away sometime miles. Lost kids,crooks stealing hotel keys and then robbing rooms. Most everybody is drunk and after a day in the sun get heat stroke.Jelly fish stings.Plenty of fights and other drama much less keeping a eye on the swimmers. We had very tough physical standards and a lot of training and at surf school swam 1/4 mile timed once a week. Cannot imagine working is these conditions.

[@aggffdgubfff]

JIMJAMSC damn what beach were you working at? That sounds horrible !

[@dakg8034]

People always believe they can conquer the sea ..... Even if you are the world's best swimmer, those waves will batter you into submission.

[@davec4700]

That's right, check-dewd; you don't even understand what Lifeguards do... Thanks for staying out of the water for us.

[@GarageDwellerPat]

What are you talking about?

[@myrnamejico521]

lol WTF

[@fynnwheatley1568]

+checkitoutdewd he is talking about the lifegurds that were doing jack shit

[@NancyR3454]

He said he wasn't the one making the comments, it was the people standing behind him on the beach.

[@mynewslacks]

That guy had absolutely no idea how to get in in a current like that. i love how the guy at the end gets in with no problem

[@simonbackwash]

looks like the guy who get rescue is an excellent swimmer and did not panic

[@NancyR3454]

I thought so too, just got stuck inside in the rip. Ugh. Could happen to anyone.

[@l6ciel]

Those are some big waves...

[@ksiyaskid]

Glad I watched this video. Now I know the wedge is not for me, (yet?)lol. Almost went there a couple days ago. I went to the other side of that rock pier though what a huge difference a mile (probably less) makes.

[@haitchbhee]

Hemicuda572, you've gotta swim out not in, he's in the impact zone, called that for obvious reasons. You go out because you can't fight the ocean, wait for a break and take a small wave in. A big high five to the lifeguards, dangerous job.

[@deliciousmorton]

Dude came back the next day with a surf board.

[@NancyR3454]

Well yeah.

[@JimmieYap-ti2co]

Thank you Jesus🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼 for our civil servants!!!💯💯💯💯

[@SepherStar]

It looks like everyone needs rescuing to me.

[@TTundragrizzly]

They probably do

[@mulletover3832]

Nothing like a 30 wave set to get the heart pumping!

[@clarkewi]

Amazing how the guy was standing but still couldn't get in. Current was dragging him out. And it was non stop and he was fighting it. That's how you drown.

[@hurleycapetown8420]

The guy filming who got cuaght in the rip should have been wearing fins ! Glad it all ended well .

[@MasterGuero]

They got ripped off. He’s wearing water socks.

[@Erika-yy8ry]

Wtf goes there into the water with this waves? Are they nuts? Can anyone imagine how much power this waves have?

[@jeanneivey9284]

See the things they are floating on they are the lifeguards. Respect for all life guards that risk their lives .

[@rdouglas808]

The life guards were not really expecting someone to not be able to get back into shore when that person was just out in heavy surf. The life guards reaction was more on the line of "are you serious?" and then he jumped in to help.

[@Bigkoala77]

my brother is one of those lifegaurds 5:25

[@henriquefern67]

Which beach is that?

[@cameronbahar2871]

@@henriquefern67 the wedge

[@jammiles3186]

Oh my goodness, those waves are huge for anyone to be swimming in it.

[@charlesbromberick4247]

The Wicked Wedge - I know it well. Great job by lifeguards, in spite of some inane and annoying criticisms.

[@clarkewi]

Shows how heavy that place is.

[@traningday]

The way those waves are crashing is crazy

[@ES-go9ue]

My brother used to surf the wedge years & years ago, also san ononfre

[@FeelJah2222]

Good rescue!! I think it was not a good day for swimming..Aloha from Brasil!!

[@QueenetBowie]

Gee why arn't those lifeguards out there, it's been three seconds, I mean I saw them drowning and thought "Hey I'll get my camera and video-tape people dying" I really like it towards the end when the lifeguards are standing there just checking to see if everyone's safe, no one's drowning, and the guy keeps going "They're just standing there, I mean what are they doing?" I'll answer your question, they're watching the water, making sure no one drowns.

[@A7AB]

Respect to the lifeguards and the guys out there. The commentators don't realize there sitting on shore....just watching.

[@selenaramos4650]

i seriously think the people recording this video forget that lifeguards are also human have to follow certain safety protocols so they dont also succumb to the waves....

[@QPRdazza]

Horrible waves. Brutal break and undertow there. Too much white water. Nobody should be risking going that far out. Thumbs up for the lifeguards. Doing a dangerous job very professionally 👍👍👍

[@user-hx5vh9uh2n]

Man what a scary place to be a lifeguard. It woukd be hard enough to just get yourself out of that

[@madhatter_9]

Do you see those waves though?? If they went out there, they would need rescued too. The water is too strong for them to get out and save them, at this point they need a boat. It's better if they can stay there and keep an eye on where the people are. I can see where it is easy to criticize the lifeguards bc it looks like they are doing nothing but they are doing what they're supposed to. Kind of like a firefighter knowing that it's too risky to enter a house about ready to collapse. Granted some might still go in but protocol is not to if there is no point of safe return. Glad everyone got out okay. The sea is unforgiving and unbiased, be safe out there!

[@ecpirates9j]

Rip current....and a serious one at that. You can literally watch them, including the lifeguard, get sucked out.

[@keatond6386]

Us lifeguards risk our lives everyday. To the people with the camera... I would do the same to you if u needed help... But for now, I have no respect

[@LCPD55]

Thank you for saving people lol, I can't swim so so make sure I don't go too far out the ocean.

[@josephsaeteurn9158]

i respect lifeguards, they will put their lives in danger to help others and that's what they are train to do and they are good at it. every time i head to the beach i talk to the nearest guard to see what or if there is any danger i need to be aware of aside from the normal. keep doing what you do and ignore these commentators.

[@mariomiera1931]

All the criticism from the spectators that most likely don’t swim the wedge or have ever been in this situation 💯 show some respect to these lifeguards . Kooks!!!

[@Apus100]

this people are insane to swim in this big incomming waves!! Poor Lifegards

[@nouraisha1]

Very gooooood!!!!👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@npeacy]

hard work ,the lifeguard that swim out did very good work

[@mdhumayunkabir2911]

Oh my god. I was trapped in saint martine island with huge wave.i was totaly lost my hope but god saves me

[@83KaLion808]

Yeah, when its calmer they should definitely get out there too!

[@jasonleclerc6636]

Apparently everyone is an expert.

[@carforumwanker]

I have worn red trunks.....Respect .

[@jkwphotofilm4789]

When seeing this as a lifeguard it looks all good but I reason we need to faster with our rescues especially with big surf like this

[@reecedrystek2992]

People it's one thing to slap the kool-aid out of someone's hand, but it's a lot different to jump in and drink it with them.

[@kshmrs]

I live in the Caribbean 24/7.... beach and summer here.... but let's be honest, any goon who's never been to the beach would know to stay the eff away from that dangerous water...

[@brandonseelochan7731]

Danger! I will not bathe in that beach because that beach has treacherous waters. Danger! No Bathing! I hope that people would take my good advise.

[@hmitch74]

Newport Beach guards are some of the best trained guards in CA. If you're one of the ones bashing them or one of the morons in the video talking about what YOU think the guards SHOULD be doing, then grow some balls and tryout. You'll learn early in the process you'll fail.

[@devoneddings3530]

Hi Mitch let me guess....you’re a fat dude eating chips. You get out there!

[@TheSkirvo]

The guys commentating are saying "that's the worst place to go " and criticising the lifeguards as if they are experts . Why aren't they getting out and rescuing them ?

[@yoyotwothousand]

Bigkoala I was pointing out the stupidity of the cameraman for not to waving for help when he got into trouble and the irrational thinking of the commentators who think they know more than the lifeguards. I fully support the Newport Beach lifeguards and what they do.

[@Randothol]

Stuff nightmares are made of.

[@Ryan-mg2uv]

them waves are huge!

[@jweber297]

What waves ! Why did they enter in terrible Beach ?

[@farrardota2992]

My respect to all lifeguard in the world..love all lifeguard .

[@83KaLion808]

That lady talking should be quite, cuz trust me not even those lifeguards are gonna get through those sets! The other life guard did the right thing by taking him out & then bringing him back in.

[@Lammalord]

these lifeguards have big balls to tackle this beach on a good day :s they probably have to send out the best of the best when surf is expected to be large.

[@michaelangelos5117]

There are times in life when you are in the ocean and you realize that you just might freaking drown right freaking now and you better swim for your freaking life because you are in big freaking trouble. If you can get yourself out of that trouble, then you can be here standing today.

[@dennisguevara9427]

Im no life guard, but I understand whats going on in this video. If I was in this same situation as an intermediate swimmer that I am, I would swim out. Fuck getting stuck or pounded by those waves. Good protocal .

[@someblokecalleddave1]

Where's the rip? Does it run left as you face the beach and go out alongside the rocks?

[@GarageDwellerPat]

@yoyotwothousand Yeah I don't know why those guys were such haters. I think they felt that the guards got out to that guy way too late and should gone after him earlier.

[@NancyR3454]

Drove in from Riverside.

[@workingTchr]

That's the way to do it. Forget trying to swim in. Swim out and wait for someone to pick you up in a boat.