A surfer nearly drowned in Huntington Beach early Saturday but was revived on the way to the hospital, police said.

Police initially said the man had drowned.

But Huntington Beach Police Lt. Tim Martin said Saturday afternoon that paramedics were able to revive the man on the way to the hospital and he was in critical condition.

Other surfers found the man floating in the water at about 6:42 a.m. near Lifeguard Tower 8 by 11th Street and Pacific Coast Highway.

Lifeguards said the victim appeared to be in his 60s.

Contact the writer: kpuente@ocregister.com