A kitesurfer who was stranded on a Northern California beach over the weekend was rescued after writing the word “help” out of rocks, authorities said.
The kitesurfer became trapped on a narrow stretch of beach at the base of towering cliffs at high tide on Sunday, according to the Santa Cruz branch of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
Cal Fire said his “help” sign was spotted by a private helicopter, which alerted authorities. Social Media Posts He explained that the beach was somewhat remote and difficult to access.
A rescue helicopter worked with the Santa Cruz County Fire Department and the State Parks Department to pull the kite surfer to the top of the cliff.
The man, whose name has not been released, did not require medical treatment, Cal Fire said.
The coastline stretches approximately 65 miles (105 km) south of San Francisco.
“This is such a beautiful place to work and live,” Cal Fire Capt. Skyler Merritt said. NBC Bay Area“That being said, people may be lulled into a false sense of security around cliffs; these beaches are notorious for high winds, rip currents and cold water.”
