2022 Class D Unit Citation - E14 & T14

On September 16, 2022, units were dispatched to China Beach for a report of two missing swimmers. Rapidly deploying rescue boards, rescuers reached Victim #1 and secured them to a flotation device. Victim #1 reported that their friend, Victim #2, was unconscious on a beach to the west, accessible only via water. Victim #2 was found pulseless and apneic on the beach and they commenced CPR. Two other rescue swimmers then swam out to assist with medical care. Five members performed CPR without any medical equipment, nor any way to communicate with other responders on scene. Thirty minutes later, Coast Guard units arrived on scene, but could not approach the shore due to the turbulent and shallow ocean. Victim #2 was placed on a rescue board and swam out approximately 700 feet for Coast Guard transport. Upon arrival in Marin county, Victim #2 was transported to awaiting medic units with pulses returned. The crews' courage and professionalism in rough seas, fading light, and without proper medical equipment, are worthy of merit. 

Station 14