Teens escape rip current, family dog pulled out of water at Cannon Beach
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Two teenagers saved themselves from drowning at Cannon Beach after a rip current pulled them away from shore Tuesday afternoon.
A water rescue team was sent to the beach in front of the Tolovana Wayside after receiving a report that an 18 year old and a 14 year old were being pulled out of the water around 1:15 p.m.
According to the Cannon Beach Fire District, the teens “were out boogie boarding with wetsuits when their parents on the beach stated that they noticed the boards were not with them anymore.”
The 14 year old was able to get the pair out of the water, and they were both conscious and breathing by the time officials arrived. Both were taken to a local hospital, where doctors determined they were unharmed, officials said.
The family told the rescue team that their dog was also pulled into the water by the current, but was safely taken out. Fire officials report the dog is “in good health.”
Rip currents are dangerous, powerful waves that can suck beachgoers into the water in a matter of seconds. They are present year-round, with at least three rip currents near Haystack Rock, Indian Beach on the north and south side at Ecola Park, and Chapman Point.
In September 2023, four adults and two children were swept away by a ride current on Cannon Beach – requiring a coast guard rescue to bring them back to shore. Others have been sucked in by the waves and found dead.
To avoid rip currents, the local fire district said it is important to not go out to the ocean beyond your knees. Children should never be out of arm's reach of their parents, and dogs should remain in eyesight.
If you are caught in a rip current, it’s important to stay calm and swim parallel to the beach following the shoreline until you reach the shore. If you cannot swim, simply float or tread water until a rescue team arrives.
If you see someone get pulled away by a rip tide, immediately call 911 and do not leave until a rescue team arrives.