Two people were safely rescued Sunday afternoon after becoming trapped against the rocks on the shoreline in Isla Vista.
At approximately 12:45 p.m., Santa Barbara County firefighters responded to a reported water rescue along Del Playa Drive near Window to the Sea Park, said Karen Cruz-Orduña, Fire Department spokeswoman.
The pair became trapped when rising tides cut off access to the shoreline.
Firefighters utilized a high-angle rope rescue system to bring them back to the top of the bluffs, while Boat 10 launched from Goleta Beach.
A drone was also deployed to assist crews with locating and monitoring the victims during the rescue operation.
An American Medical Response ambulance was dispatched to the scene.
The pair sustained minor injuries but declined medical treatment, Cruz-Orduna said.
U.S. Coast Guard personnel aboard a helicopter also responded to assist, but were canceled upon arrival.
“Please use caution near coastal cliffs and shoreline areas during elevated surf and changing tide conditions,” Cruz-Oruña said.
A number of weather-related warnings have been issued for the Santa Barbara County coastal areas this weekend..
These include a beach hazards statement through Monday morning warning of dangerous rip currents and waves possible.
A high surf advisory also has been issued for coastal areas of North County and southern San Luis Obispo County through Monday morning.
This was second day in a row crews used a high-angle rope rescue.
On Saturday, firefighters employed the method to rescue a paraglider stuck on a More Mesa Cliff.