A kite surfer stranded on a California beach used rocks to spell “HELP,” leading to his rescue Sunday, officials said.
A private helicopter spotted the man on a beach south of Davenport Landing and called what the sign made of rocks called for: help.
Video of the rescue was posted to social media by the San Mateo and Santa Cruz unit of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. The clip showed the beach was at the base of a long, steep cliff.
The video shows a CAL Fire helicopter dispatching a first responder to the kiteboarder, who is strapped in before they are both lifted over the cliff and back to safety. The “HELP” sign was visible along the shore.
It is unclear how long the unidentified kite surfer was stranded on the beach before being rescued. He did not require medical attention, according to CAL Fire.
CAL Fire, the Santa Cruz County Fire Department and California State Parks worked together to save the kiteboarder.