Swimmer in critical condition after Oceanside Pier rescue

OCEANSIDE, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) -- A person was rescued from the Pacific Ocean near the Oceanside Pier Friday night, but was taken to the hospital in critical condition after being in distress in the water for nearly an hour.

Several water rescue crews including the U.S. Coast Guard, lifeguards and the Oceanside Fire Department responded around 4:20 p.m. Friday to the beach close to 600 The Strand near the Oceanside Pier in downtown Oceanside for reports of a swimmer that did not return to shore, the Oceanside Police Department reported. Initial reports from police Friday night were a surfer was reported to be in distress without their board.

Lifeguards deployed several resources, including a rescue watercraft and lifeguard boat, while the San Diego County Sheriff's ASTREA helicopter assisted from the air. Oceanside Police report the ASTREA helicopter found the missing swimmer just south of the Oceanside Pier and lifeguards and fire crews were able to get them to shore.

Oceanside Police confirmed the swimmer was rescued around 5:15 p.m., nearly an hour after they were first reported missing by family members on the beach. Police said first responders gave the swimmer life support on the scene, including CPR, before transporting them to a hospital in critical condition.

SkyFOX/KUSI in the Sky was overhead several rescue crews that were stationed at the pier.

Oceanside Fire and Lifeguards are taking the opportunity to remind the public to always swim near staffed lifeguard towers, as ocean conditions can be unpredictable and hazardous for swimmers of all experience levels.

Check back for updates on this developing story