A 26-year-old surfer had to be rescued after getting swept out to sea off the coast of Santa Barbara County on Saturday.
According to the county fire department, which released video of the rescue, the man was surfing with a friend at Haskell’s Beach in Goleta around 6:30 p.m. when he lost his board and was pulled into deeper waters by high surf.
His friend reported him missing immediately, officials said.
Rescue crews first found the man’s board washed up on the beach. Then, they deployed aerial drones equipped with infrared cameras to scan the ocean. They found him about a quarter mile from the beach clinging to a lobster trap buoy.
“Rescue swimmers swam out, made contact under real-time drone operator guidance, and safely escorted him back to shore,” the department said.
The surfer was found around a quarter-mile offshore. Feb. 7, 2026. (Santa Barbara County Fire Department)
He was evaluated for injuries or other medical issues but was okay and released.
Officials hope the incident serves as a warning.
“Never go into the ocean alone, especially in rough conditions,” the fire department said.
Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.