Lifeguard knocked out after jumping from helicopter during ocean training in California
A State Parks lifeguard was knocked unconscious during a helicopter training exercise Wednesday morning in the ocean off Pismo Beach.
California State Parks Chief Ranger Kevin Pearce said State Parks lifeguards were participating in a helocasting training exercise — in which staff jump from a helicopter into the ocean — with the city of Pismo Beach and the California Highway Patrol.
During the training, a staff member was briefly knocked unconscious upon entering the water, prompting a response from Cal Fire.
At around 10:01 a.m., Cal Fire dispatched an engine to the southernmost end of Addie Street in southern Pismo Beach but was ultimately not needed, Pearce said.
State Parks staff were in the water as part of the exercise and were able to immediately recover the lifeguard, who later regained consciousness and was transported to a local hospital for further evaluation, Pearce said.
