Man rescued by lifeguards after jumping from Sunset Cliffs into ocean

SAN DIEGO (KGTV) -- A man was rescued by lifeguards Saturday after jumping from Sunset Cliffs into the ocean.

Lifeguards said a man in his 20s jumped into the water at about 5 p.m. A short time later, someone called 911 and reported the man had difficulty getting out of the water near 1130 Sunset Cliffs Blvd.

When lifeguards arrived at the scene, they saw that a good Samaritan surfer had pushed his surfboard over to the man who jumped to keep him afloat.

The water craft team pulled the man from the water and got him to pocket beach, known as, No Surf Beach.

Lifeguards said the man had an extremely low body temperature and needed to be evaluated quickly. The San Diego Fire Department's helicopter airlifted the man to the street, where he was placed in an ambulance and rushed to the hospital.

There are no updates on his condition, but Lifeguards said he was conscious and breathing when he was taken away.

Lifeguards is asking for the public's help to find the good Samaritan surfer who helped them with the rescue. They said without him springing into action; the outcome could have been much different. They are thankful for his selfless act.

It has not been determined if the man would be cited for illegally jumping from the cliffs. Lifeguards said cliff jumping is dangerous because you can be injured if the tide is too low, the waves can push you into the rocks, or the water is too cold and you experience hypothermia.

Sunset Cliffs has been identified on social media as a popular place to jump into the ocean. Lifeguards warn beachgoers that fines will be issued for anyone caught jumping from the cliffs.