emergency vehicles at a beach
Emergency personnel respond to Guadalupe Beach after an unconciou surfer was pulled from the water. Despite lifesaving measures, the man was pronounced dead at the scene. (Santa Barbara County Fire Department photo)

A surfer died Friday at Guadalupe Beach despite efforts to resuscitate him, according to Capt. Scott Safechuck of the Santa Barbara County Fire Departmnet.

Personnel from the Guadalupe and county fire departments along with the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office, American Medical Response and State Parks were dispatched at 9:23 a.m. to the beach west of Guadalupe. 

An unconscious surfer — possibly due to a cardiac arrest — was pulled to shore by others at the beach, Safechuck said.

“Amazing efforts” by surfers including off-duty nurse along with performing bystander CPR was followed by advanced lift support by firefighters and emergency medical services personnel, Safechuck said. 

“Unfortunately after all resuscitation efforts,” Safechuck said, the patient, a 70-year-old man, was pronounced dead. 

“Thanks to all citizens that assisted to save the life of their fellow waterman,” Safechuck added.

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.

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Janene Scully | Noozhawk North County Editor

Noozhawk North County editor Janene Scully can be reached at jscully@noozhawk.com.