‘Extremely exhausted’ kayaker rescued after 30 minutes in rip current, CA officials say

A kayaker plunged into the water and became trapped in a rip current, California rescuers said.

The man fell off his kayak and into the rip current at McGrath State Beach on Sunday, Nov. 14, the Ventura Harbor Patrol said.

He was struggling in the water and waving for help when rescuers arrived.

Rescuers backed a boat to the surfline and pulled the man on board. The kayaker was given first aid and was “extremely exhausted,” officials said.

“It was estimated by the victim and bystanders that he had been in the water for approximately 30 minutes before being rescued by the Harbor Patrol,” rescuers said in a news release.

The man was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. Officials did not disclose his condition.

“Ventura Harbor Patrol would like to remind kayakers to wear a personal floatation device when on the water,” rescuers said. “Swimmers and kayakers should try to stay closer to areas that are frequented by others.”

“Rip currents are powerful, narrow channels of fast-moving water that are prevalent along the East, Gulf, and West coasts of the U.S.,” according to the National Ocean Service.

McGrath State Beach sits next to the mouth of the Santa Clara River where it meets the Pacific Ocean.