Southern California Surf Coach Saves Girl and Father, Captured on Video

Local Surf Coach Gains National Recognition for Ocean Rescue

OCEANSIDE, Calif. – Lucas Taub, a surf coach at Westcliff University in Irvine, has been hailed as a hero after rescuing a father and daughter from a perilous rip current near an Oceanside jetty. His swift actions have not only brought him national attention but also forged a lasting bond with the family.

On a recent afternoon, Taub was walking along the jetty when he heard the alarming cries of a young girl in distress. The girl was struggling against the strong currents, while her father fought to stay afloat nearby. Without hesitation, Taub dove into the water, fully clothed, determined to assist the pair.

"I knew right away I needed to act and help this little girl, as well as her dad," Taub recounted during an interview on "Good Day LA." "It all just happened so fast, but I was so happy to be in the right place at the right time."

Once in the water, Taub quickly assessed the situation. Understanding that the current was too powerful to swim directly back to shore, he kept the victims calm and guided them back to safety at the jetty. Drawing from his expertise as a surf instructor, he emphasized the importance of remaining calm in such emergency situations.

"The main thing I really was telling them was to stay calm; you’re going to be okay," he said. "One of the number one things as a surf instructor and lifelong surfer is you can’t panic in the ocean. It can really overwhelm you."

In reflecting on the experience, Taub expressed gratitude for being present at that critical moment. "I couldn’t be more grateful to God for putting me in that place," he stated.

Since the rescue, Taub and the family have developed a close relationship, revealing that the incident coincided with the two-year anniversary of the father losing his son. Taub provided an update, noting that both the girl and her father are doing well. He added, "He’s my brother now for life."

In light of his experience, Taub offered essential safety tips for anyone who might find themselves in similar circumstances:

• Stay Calm: Avoid panic and take deep breaths.
• Swim at an Angle: Do not swim directly back to the beach when caught in a rip current. Instead, swim parallel to the shore to escape the current.
• Check the Flags: Observe lifeguard towers for colored flags and signs indicating water conditions.
• Signal for Help: Use the universal lifeguard signal by raising one hand to indicate distress.

Taub’s courageous deeds serve as a reminder of the importance of quick thinking and composure in emergencies, solidifying his status as a local hero.