MONTEREY COUNTY – On February 5, 2026, California State Parks lifeguards came to the rescue of an individual who became separated from a vessel and was in need of rescuing in the water in the area of Granite Cove, south of Carmel. The lifeguards quickly made contact with the victim and requested assistance from CAL FIRE, the Midcoast Fire Brigade, Carmel Highlands Fire District, and CHP Air Operations (H-70).

The individual was transferred to a Carmel Highlands Fire rescue boat and ultimately hoisted by CHP H-70 to Highway 1, where care was transferred to AMR for transport to a local hospital for evaluation.

“We can only imagine how grateful the victim is to have had such teamwork with one goal in mind and that was to rescue and save this individual.  Water rescues can be intense and we thank all those who responded and are trained to save lives,” said California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA) President Alan Barcelona.