SMC Parks Hosts Water Rescue Training at Don Horsley Park

On September 22, local, state, and federal response agencies came together at Don Horsley Park at Tunitas Creek Beach for a coordinated search-and-rescue training exercise focused on the coastside. Training together in the actual environment helps responders build familiarity and strengthen interagency coordination.

Agencies involved included:

• San Mateo County Parks
• United States Coast Guard
• Pillar Point Harbor District
• State Parks Lifeguards
• San Mateo County Sheriff SVIP unit
• Cal Fire
• Loma Mar Fire Department
• La Honda Fire Department
• Coastside Fire Protection District

With new beach access points at Don Horsley Park and San Gregorio Ranch State Park expected to increase beach and ocean use, familiarization with the area is especially important heading into fall weather and winter water conditions. 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 and the rocky coastline and cave formations found along the bluffs. Crews reviewed rescue equipment, communications, access routes, and coordination between agencies. As one coast guard swimmer put it, "it's a lot harder to figure out how equipment works when you're nervous, cold and wet."

A key component of the exercise was aircraft familiarization and hoist training with Coast Guard aircrews. 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.

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.

As one State Parks lifeguard warned, "Pop-up rip currents can surprise you, so never swim alone and check ocean conditions before heading into the water."