Daring rescue of California surfer clinging to lobster trap buoy caught on video
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Rescue video shows surfer clinging to lobster trap buoy a quarter-mile offshore.
- Santa Barbara rescue swimmers and drones with infrared located and retrieved him.
- Authorities warn against entering rough ocean alone and note hazard of derelict traps.
The Santa Barbara County Fire Department released the full video of last Friday’s ocean rescue at Haskell’s Beach in Goleta.
A 26-year-old surfer was swept out by high evening surf after losing his board on Feb. 6, 2026, but he was able to cling to a lobster trap buoy until help arrived, according to the fire department.
The surfer’s friend reported the incident immediately, and a shore search found the board. Drones with infrared located the surfer a quarter-mile offshore.
Santa Barbara Fire Department rescue swimmers brought him safely back to shore. No medical attention was needed, and the surfer was released on scene.
The video shows the man holding onto the top of a lobster trap buoy, preventing him from drifting farther out in the ocean.
The fire department posted a warning on the social media platform X:
“Never go in to the ocean alone-especially in rough conditions. It can save lives.”
A 2021 survey by the Santa Barbara Channelkeeper Watershed Brigade counted a total of 44 lobster traps on the coastline between Haskell’s and Ellwood Beaches, the Los Angeles Times reported, using NoozHawk, Santa Barbara news outlet, as the source.
Derelict traps can be hazardous to surfers, beachgoers and wildlife.
This story was originally published February 9, 2026 at 9:19 AM.
