Officials warn people to not jump off Pismo Beach Pier after 2 rescues in 24-hour period
In a span of 24 hours, five people have jumped off of the Pismo Beach Pier — and while none were hurt, emergency response officials are warning the public not to risk their safety by following suit.
Around 11 p.m. Tuesday, a female jumper struggled in the water after taking a leap off the pier, Cal Fire Public Information Officer Adan Orozco said. Her boyfriend jumped in after her, Orozco said.
Both were able to make it to the beach after some difficulty in the water, and they refused medical treatment after emergency responders arrived, Orozco said. He was unsure of their ages.
Then at 1:27 p.m. Wednesday, three juveniles reportedly jumped off the pier and into the water.
“One of them made it to shore on their own and the two others were assisted to shore by surfers,” Orozco said.
Both incidents prompted emergency response.
The three juveniles also were not injured and refused medical treatment.
A relative of the juveniles involved in the Wednesday incident said they didn’t jump off the pier, as reported to authorities, but rather they were swept out to sea while “playing in the water” and caught in strong currents before making it back to safety.
“We were not there to see it,” said Cal Fire-Pismo Beach Battalion Chief Paul Lee. “If (the relative) said they did not, we have no proof the kids jumped off the pier except for 911 calls. The callers could have been mistaken or made assumptions.”
Multiple agencies — Cal Fire, Pismo Beach Police and California State Parks — were called out to the incidents.
Orozco said the Pismo Beach Police Department was investigating.
Signs on the pier are posted warning people not to jump.
Though it can seem harmless — surfers often take the plunge from piers along the North Coast, after all — it can be dangerous, authorities warn. In 2016, a Tulare man, Marco Antonio Reyes Jr., was found dead after jumping off the pier voluntarily.
Currently, Orozco said rip currents are of particular concern.
“Water rescue officials are saying that the rip currents are really, really strong right now,” Orozco said. There was also a particularly low tide Wednesday afternoon, he added.
“That’s something to be aware of,” Orozco said. “And there are no lifeguards on duty.”
The city is also warning people to avoid jumping off the structure.
Pismo Beach city spokesman Jorge Garcia said: “We do want the public to know that jumping off the pier is not safe, can lead to dangerous situations, and endangers not only themselves, but first responders.”
Clarification: This story was updated to note the relative of the three juveniles said they were swept out to sea in a strong current while swimming.
This story was originally published February 9, 2022 at 6:12 PM.
%20Cropped.jpg)