Ocean Beach Pier Closed After High Waves

Officials closed the Ocean Beach Pier on Friday night after high waves caused numerous rescues, including a swimmer who was found unconscious and a surfer to need help from lifeguards earlier in the day.

Lifeguards will re-evaluate whether or not to open the pier in the morning.

The swimmer was pulled from the water face-down and unconscious but breathing at the beach near Bacon Street and Santa Cruz Avenue and medics were requested.

Waves were estimated as high as 14 feet in some areas and were visible crashing onto the Ocean Beach Pier this afternoon. High tide was right around 4 p.m.

Around 4:30 p.m., a surfer had to be pulled out after running into trouble just up the coast.

"I was paddling out toward the bigger waves and a rip current got me and pulled me closer and closer to the pier," said surfer John Wainwright. Thankfully i was able to avoid the pylons there and the lifeguards came immediately to help me out. The ocean's not to be underestimated, that's for sure."

Others knew better and stayed out of the water, instead enjoying the views.

β€œWe heard about the big waves, so we wanted to see if any of the spray would hit us, and it did, which was awesome,” said La Mesa resident Richard Lattin, who was in OB. β€œAnd everybody was friendly. It was just unbelievably nice.”

Most swimmers and all but the most expert of surfers stayed out of the water. But one novice couldn’t resist.

β€œI figure I'm in San Diego, you gotta surf,” said Luke Killough, of Tempe, Ariz. β€œAt least try to. I'm not very good, but it's good times, good day for waves apparently.”

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