On Sunday morning, a powerful storm system moving across the Pacific generated high surf and massive ocean swells along the Oregon coast. At about 9 a.m. in Cannon Beach, a young girl was nearly pulled into the water by a sudden sneaker wave. Video captured by local resident Karin Madsen shows her rushing to pull the child to safety. “I’m a mother. I’m a grandmother of three, you know, young grandchildren. My heart just sank,” Madsen said.
Another close call at Winchester Bay
Further down the coast, a separate incident unfolded at Winchester Bay. Two men and a dog were caught by a series of sneaker waves. The men managed to scramble onto an elevated area of logs, but the dog was swept under the water before being rescued by bystanders.
Fire district response
Jason Smith, deputy chief of the Cannon Beach Rural Fire Protection District, explained that storm surge caused the waves to travel farther up the beach than normal. “Storms bring storm surge and storm surge means waves running up the beach way faster and farther than normal, and Sunday we watched multiple people outrun the waves and they can’t and it gets multiple people hit,” Smith said.
Smith announced that another round of large waves is expected later this week. In response, the fire district is increasing beach patrols ahead of the anticipated volatile surf conditions. He urged all beachgoers to identify an escape route, avoid standing on logs, and monitor tide levels closely.
Safety tips for beach visitors
- Stay aware of changing surf conditions and heed any warnings from local authorities.
- Never turn your back on the ocean; keep a clear line of sight to the water at all times.
- Identify higher ground or sturdy structures well before entering the surf zone.
- Avoid standing on driftwood or logs that can be knocked over by powerful waves.
- Keep children and pets close, and never let them wander near the water’s edge unattended.
The Cannon Beach Rural Fire Protection District will continue to monitor conditions and provide updates through its social media channels and local news outlets. Residents and visitors are encouraged to report any dangerous surf activity to the district’s emergency line.
Community impact
These incidents underscore the importance of community vigilance along Oregon’s beautiful but sometimes treacherous coastline. Local families, tourists, and outdoor enthusiasts all share a responsibility to respect the power of the ocean and to act promptly when conditions become hazardous.
As the storm system moves inland, officials expect surf conditions to gradually subside, but they caution that residual swells may persist for several days. The fire district’s proactive patrols aim to prevent further near‑misses and ensure that the Oregon coast remains a safe place for recreation and family outings.
Original reporting: KPTV FOX 12 Portland (news) — read the source article.
