Four Rescued After Jumping Off Sunset Cliffs During High Surf

Lifeguards warn against cliff-jumping and strong rip currents amid elevated swell along San Diego's coastline.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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Four people who jumped off Sunset Cliffs into the Pacific were rescued after powerful waves swept them into high surf and pinned them against the rocks, according to San Diego lifeguards. Three were pulled to safety by cliff-rescue crews, while a fourth was picked up by a lifeguard watercraft and transported to a nearby hospital for evaluation.

Why it matters

Sunset Cliffs is known for its risky terrain, with the city responding to around 50 coastal cliff rescues every year. Officials caution that jumping into the water from the cliffs can quickly turn dangerous due to powerful currents and sneaker waves, which can slam swimmers against the rocks.

The details

The ordeal unfolded yesterday amid a High Surf Advisory issued by the National Weather Service, warning of 5 to 8-foot breaking waves with sets up to 10 feet and a high rip-current risk. Earlier in the week, lifeguards also responded to two men who ran into trouble after jumping from a natural arch at Sunset Cliffs.

  • The incident occurred on February 7, 2026.
  • A High Surf Advisory was in effect at the time of the rescue.

The players

San Diego Lifeguards

The local lifeguard service that responded to the rescue and regularly caution against the dangers of cliff-jumping at Sunset Cliffs.

National Weather Service

The government agency that issued the High Surf Advisory warning of dangerous conditions along the San Diego coastline.

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What’s next

City officials advise anyone who spots a person in distress on the cliffs or in the water to call 911 and alert local lifeguards. Visitors are also urged to obey posted signs, keep a safe distance from the edge of the bluffs, and respect any temporary closures while the high surf sticks around.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing risks at Sunset Cliffs, where even experienced locals and repeat visitors can find themselves in dangerous situations due to the powerful surf and treacherous terrain. It serves as a reminder for beachgoers to heed all safety warnings and avoid cliff-jumping, which can quickly turn deadly.