Surfer Clings to Lobster Trap Buoy to Survive Santa Barbara Waves

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A 26-year-old surfer was knocked off his board by high waves at a Santa Barbara County beach on Friday evening. His friend called 911 and a rescue crew found the man holding onto a lobster trap buoy about a quarter-mile offshore. Two officers pulled the man back to shore, and he did not require medical attention.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the dangers of night surfing and the importance of having a companion when entering the ocean, especially in rough conditions. It also raises awareness about the presence of derelict lobster traps along the Santa Barbara coastline, which can pose hazards to beachgoers and wildlife.

The details

The man was accompanied by a friend when he went night surfing at Haskell's Beach in Goleta. He was suddenly pulled into the water by the high waves, and his surfboard washed ashore. His friend called 911, and a rescue crew from the Santa Barbara County Fire Department arrived, sending out aerial drones to locate the man. He was spotted about a quarter-mile offshore, holding onto a lobster trap buoy, which prevented him from drifting farther out to sea. Two officers from the department's water rescue team then pulled the man back to shore, and he did not require medical attention.

• The incident occurred on Friday, February 7, 2026, at around 6:28 p.m.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The Santa Barbara Channelkeeper Watershed Brigade will continue to remove derelict lobster traps from the coastline between Haskell's and Ellwood Beaches to reduce hazards to beachgoers and wildlife.