Retired cop searches for San Diego area surfer who saved his life

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) -- A retired Colorado police detective is searching for the surfer he calls a hero after nearly drowning at Moonlight Beach in Encinitas last week.

John Grace, a former detective with the Brighton Police Department outside of Denver, was visiting San Diego on Sept. 19 when he decided to try surfing with a friend.

Grace, who frequently visits the city, said the ocean has always been a place of healing for him.

“San Diego has always been a rinse and repeat place for me,” Grace said. “Whenever I’m going through trials and tribulations and just want to get my feet in the sand, it’s always been my go-to.”

But during their surfing session, a powerful wave slammed Grace headfirst into the sand, instantly knocking him unconscious. He said he briefly lost control of his body and thought he was going to die.

“I had an out-of-body experience of having to say goodbye to my boys and my family,” Grace said. “I really thought it was the end.”

Grace said he awoke to realize someone was dragging him to safety, but he never saw his rescuer’s face.

“I just told him thanks for saving my life,” he recalled.

Encinitas lifeguards, including 20-year-old Tanner Fritts, then rushed in to provide emergency aid.

“I noticed that there was a large facial trauma,” Fritts said. “So I noted this was probably a spinal injury, and we took all the precautions for that as well.”

Grace was hospitalized for four days with serious injuries, including two fractured vertebrae in his neck and nerve damage. He has since returned home but faces a long recovery.

Still, Grace said he owes his life to the Encinitas lifeguards — and especially to the unidentified surfer who pulled him from the water.

“I want to thank you for allowing me to be on this earth with my family and my friends,” Grace said, tearing up. “I love you for that already, and I want to meet you and thank you personally.”

Encinitas lifeguards advise beginner surfers to remain close to lifeguard towers when entering the ocean.