Latest News

Troubled Man Jumps Off Pier, Lifeguards & Police Respond



From Santa Monica Close Up:

"In a dramatic incident on Thursday, September 21, 2023, Santa Monica Harbor Patrol Officers, Los Angeles County Lifeguards, and Santa Monica Police Officers sprang into action as they responded to a man who had leaped from the iconic Santa Monica Pier.

The situation became challenging when two Santa Monica Harbor Patrol Officers jumped into the ocean from the end of the Santa Monica Pier to assist the distressed man who had also entered the water. As the man grew tired from his swim, one of the Harbor Officers used his rescue board to gently guide the man towards the shoreline.

However, when they neared the shore, the man, displaying defiance, disembarked from the board and adamantly refused to come ashore. Santa Monica Police Officers stood by, ready to take action once the man reached the beach, whether through citation or arrest.

The individual in question opted to walk along the shoreline, remaining waist-deep in the water as he headed south towards Venice. In a show of vigilance, Los Angeles County Lifeguards followed the man in their Lifeguard truck to ensure his safety in case of any emergencies. Meanwhile, Santa Monica Police Officers maintained a cautious distance and monitored the situation from their Off Road Vehicle.

The man continued his shoreline trek, covering approximately half a mile in waist-deep water. Both law enforcement and lifeguards trailed at a safe distance, vigilant and prepared for any developments.

After approximately 30 minutes, the man eventually made his way to the shore, where he sat, visibly exhausted. Assessing that he was no longer in immediate danger, the police decided to deescalate the situation and departed the beach without approaching the man or issuing a citation.

It is important to note that leaping or diving from the Santa Monica Pier is explicitly prohibited under Municipal Code 10.08.620, constituting a misdemeanor offense. The municipal code clearly states that individuals should abstain from engaging in such activities from any part of the Santa Monica Municipal Pier, except in cases of imminent danger requiring the preservation of life."

Santa Monica Close Up is a photo blog by Santa Monica based Photojournalist/Press photographer Fabian Lewkowicz. Fabian is the former staff photographer for the Santa Monica Daily Observer Press, Santa Monica Mirror, Santa Monica and the Santa Monica Corsair.

Support Santa Monica Closeup/Fabian Lewkowicz with Venmo or PayPal to help earn money to make these videos:

https://venmo.com/u/santamonicacloseup

https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/fabianlewkowicz
« PREV
NEXT »

No comments

Post a Comment