Surf coach rescues father, daughter caught in Oceanside Harbor rip current

A Southern California surf coach is being credited with rescuing a father and daughter caught in a rip current near the Oceanside Harbor jetty during a surf competition earlier this month.

The incident occurred during the Western Surfing Association Oceanside Harbor South Jetty contest, where Lucas Taub was coaching from the jetty.

While watching competitors, Taub spotted a young girl being pulled farther from shore by strong waves. Her father entered the water to reach her, but both began struggling against the powerful current, according to FOX5/KUSI.

Taub jumped into the ocean fully clothed and swam toward the pair. Video recorded by a bystander shows him making his way through choppy surf to reach the father and daughter as they fought to stay afloat.

Taub, a coach for the Irvine-based Westcliff University surf team, assisted both individuals and guided them safely back to shore. Neither suffered serious injuries.

The girl’s father reunited with Taub days after the rescue and credited him with saving their lives. He told FOX5/KUSI he became physically and mentally exhausted while trying to keep his daughter above water as the current pulled them away from shore.

Rip currents are powerful, narrow channels of fast-moving water that can quickly pull swimmers away from shore. They can form suddenly and are capable of overpowering even strong swimmers. Safety officials routinely urge beachgoers to check ocean conditions before entering the water.

Experts advise anyone caught in a rip current to avoid swimming directly against it. Instead, swimmers should remain calm, float or tread water to conserve energy, and swim parallel to shore until they are out of the current’s pull. Signaling for help is also recommended.

The Oceanside Harbor area, particularly near the jetty, can experience shifting currents and wave patterns depending on tides and swell conditions.