Two UCSB students in distress while kayaking in the ocean near Goleta were rescued Sunday afternoon.
Two UCSB students in distress while kayaking in the ocean near Goleta were rescued Sunday afternoon. The incident occurred between Haskell’s Beach and Coal Oil Point. Credit: Santa Barbara County Fire Department photo

Two UCSB students in distress while kayaking in the ocean near Goleta were rescued Sunday afternoon. 

At approximately 1:30 p.m., Santa Barbara County firefighters and U.S. Coast Guard personnel were dispatched to the incident between Haskell’s Beach and Coal Oil Point, county fire Capt. Scott Safechuck said. 

They were estimated to be approximately two miles offshore, according to emergency dispatch reports. 

The pair paddled to Platform Holly, but the kayak was taking on water, becoming heavy and sluggish, Safechuck said.

Tired and cold, they called 9-1-1 from a cell phone, Safechuck added.

County firefighters launched two rescue water crafts to reach the kayakers and transport them back to the shore for evaluation, Safechuck added. 

Both people were wearing life jackets. They reportedly were not injured but complained of being cold. 

They were assessed by paramedics and released, Safechuck added.

Boaters also were alerted to look out for their green kayak, which reportedly was retrieved. 

— Noozhawk North County editor Janene Scully can be reached at jscully@noozhawk.com. Follow Noozhawk on Twitter: @noozhawk, @NoozhawkNews and @NoozhawkBiz. Connect with Noozhawk on Facebook.