11/05/2025
A 12-year-old junior lifeguard is being hailed a hero for assisting multiple people who were thrown from a boat that capsized while leaving the Harbor on Sunday.
The small vessel overturned after being struck by breaking surf near a harbor jetty shortly before 10:30 a.m., according to the Oceanside Fire Department. The incident was witnessed by lifeguard personnel, who reported that there were five victims in the water.
Crews arrived to find the 25-foot powerboat capsized with the five victims distributed among multiple private vessels. A rescue boat, along with the assistance of several private vessels in the immediate vicinity, brought all five victims to the dock, where a fire engine and ambulance were standing by. Following a medical evaluation, three patients were transported to a local hospital for treatment of minor injuries.
“One of the assisting boats carried a 12-year-old Oceanside Junior Lifeguard, a four-year participant in the city’s summer program, who played an impressive role in coordinating the private rescue response” officials said Monday evening. “He witnessed the vessel capsize and quickly waved down a nearby jet ski.” He then directed the operator of the jet ski to assist in bringing three victims onto his family’s fishing boat.
While going back to the lifeguard dock, the boy provided first aid to a patient with a leg injury, applying gauze and tape to control the bleeding. When another patient began shivering, he selflessly offered his own clothing to keep her warm.
“This incident showcases exactly what the Junior Lifeguard Program is all about,” said Lifeguard Sergeant Lola Swank. “Our youth learn not only lifesaving skills but also how to stay calm, think critically, and help others in moments of crisis. We couldn’t be more proud to see one of our Junior Lifeguards put those lessons into action in a real-life rescue.”
The vessel was removed from the water following the rescue. The Oceanside Fire Department reminds all boaters to always check ocean conditions, wear life jackets, and exercise caution when operating on the ocean.
🎥: Surfline.com
