Half Moon Bay, Calif. – With new public access expected to bring more visitors to the San Mateo County coast, local, state and federal agencies conducted a joint search-and-rescue training exercise Tuesday at Don Horsley Park at Tunitas Creek Beach.
“It’s a lot harder to figure out how equipment works when you’re nervous, cold and wet,” one Coast Guard rescue swimmer said. The exercise gave crews from eight agencies the opportunity to work in real-world conditions, in the same chilly waters and rough terrain where they may be called to respond to a real emergency.
Don Horsley Park at Tunitas Creek Beach opened in August, providing new public access to a coastline marked by steep cliffs and rough surf that is already becoming a popular destination.
There are no lifeguards on duty at Tunitas Creek Beach, so the exercise highlighted the importance of communications in this remote area, where coverage can be limited, as well as the need for responders to understand available resources and realistic response times.
Teams conducted both waterside and landside training, working through the beaches, cliffs, reefs, access points, and other challenging terrain between Pillar Point Harbor and San Gregorio.
The training helps responders familiarize themselves with equipment on land as well as with the rocky coastline and cave formations found along the bluffs. A key component of the exercise was hoist training with Coast Guard aircrews. Crews also reviewed rescue equipment, communications, access routes, and coordination between agencies.
Rescue swimmers, lifeguards, rescue watercraft, patrol boats, fire personnel, park rangers, and law enforcement worked together to practice the coordination required during a real-world response.
Agencies involved included:
- San Mateo County Parks
- United States Coast Guard
- State Parks Lifeguards
- Pillar Point Habor Patrol/San Mateo County Harbor District
- San Mateo County Sheriff SVIP unit
- Cal Fire
- Loma Mar Fire Department
- La Honda Fire Department
As State Parks lifeguard Weston Warren advised, “Pop-up rip currents can surprise you, so never swim alone and check ocean conditions before heading into the water.”
San Mateo Parks Superintendent Scott Lombardi added, “Tunitas Creek Beach is a special place, but the ocean can change in an instant. Be cautious and if you’re unsure, don’t go out. You can have a great time at the beach — even out of the water.”
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Videos and photos by Rob Cala, Robert Garaldi, and Jeneane Crawford.
