Big waves, El Nino conditions lead to uptick in rescues

Large waves and fast moving current generated by El Nino are leading to more rescues along the Central Coast, according to Central Fire in Santa Cruz County.

“With the El Nino conditions, you are going to see a number of North West swells that just jump right up in size,” said Ernst Bauen from Central Fire. “What it does is come much further onto the beach in a location that you might feel safe. The next thing you know you might find yourself swept off your feet and find yourself in a world of trouble.”

Trouble is what a 7-year-old boy saw earlier this month when he was knocked into the water at the base of 36th Street in Santa Cruz. The boy was saved by rescue crews and a Good Samaritan.

However, 19-year-old Shireen Ahsan and 25-year-old Solaiman Nourzaie would not be so lucky. Both U.C. Santa Cruz students were swept into the water on Monday and still have not been found.

Although Central Fire was not involved with that rescue attempt, crews do offer some advice for staying safe at the beach

“Look at the local surf conditions, look at the weather conditions and understand with that much water moving the sand moves, Bauen said. “So the safe beach you went to this last summer is going to be a whole different ball game now”

Santa Cruz surfer, Buck Hoelscher said that even experienced surfers should know their limits.

“It is always about safety, said Hoelscher. “Don’t take on anything you can’t handle.”