A Coast Guard boat crew rescued two surfers in distress near the Humboldt Bay jetties Friday.

A good Samaritan contacted Coast Guard Station Humboldt Bay watchstanders after observing the surfers being pulled out to sea by the current.

A 47-foot Motor Lifeboat crew was dispatched to the scene. The Coast Guard crew located the surfers and took both aboard. The surfers were fatigued, but required no medical attention. They were brought to the Coast Guard Station and then returned to their vehicle.

“It’s very important to be aware of the local tides and currents before entering the water,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Scott Harrison, a boatswain’s mate assigned to Station Humboldt Bay and the coxswain of the rescue boat. “The surfers were new to the area and were dragged out of the mouth of the bay by a very fast tide shift. They were fortunate that a bystander saw them and contacted the Coast Guard.”

The Coast Guard urges surfers, as well as boaters, to always check the tides and the weather before heading out on the water.

It’s also important for surfers to file a float plan and let someone know where they plan to be and when they plan to return. This information can aid responders in the event of an emergency and reduce response time.