A Long Beach man is recovering after being rescued from the ocean 16 hours after falling off a jet ski.<\/p>\n
The Long Beach Fire Department shared details of the rescue involving 53-year-old Paul Anthony Carbolito Jr., who was found alive Monday morning after spending the night in the water.<\/p>\n
The U.S. Coast Guard said Carbolito was found about three miles from the Seal Beach Pier. He was suffering from hypothermia when rescuers located him and transported him by helicopter.<\/p>\n
The incident happened Sunday night after Carbolito and another person reportedly fell from their jet skis. The circumstances surrounding the accident remain unclear.<\/p>\n
Experienced jet ski riders Michael Woodward and Melissa Jones said the incident is a reminder of the importance of staying alert around larger watercraft.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou want to make sure that you’re not getting trapped in their wake,\u201d Woodward said, noting that riders also need to avoid being in the path of larger vessels.<\/p>\n
Jones, who works as a nurse, said she takes water safety seriously and was amazed Carbolito survived the night in the ocean.<\/p>\n
She noted that strong wakes, cold water and wind chill can quickly create dangerous conditions for anyone stranded at sea.<\/p>\n
The rescue serves as a reminder for Southern California boaters and personal watercraft riders to wear proper safety equipment and remain aware of changing ocean conditions.<\/p>\n