Second Young Man in a Week Injured Jumping From Sunset Cliffs in San Diego

SAN DIEGO - Emergency crews have responded to multiple dangerous incidents at Sunset Cliffs this week involving illegal cliff activity, prompting renewed warnings from authorities about the risks of jumping or climbing the popular Point Loma bluffs.

On Sunday, a 17-year-old was injured while attempting to jump into the Pacific Ocean from the cliffs near Sunset Cliffs Boulevard and Froude Street. Video circulating online shows the teen running toward the edge and leaping, only to strike a rock ledge or cliffside with his backside before tumbling into the water. Bystanders entered the ocean to assist, and San Diego Fire-Rescue lifeguards and firefighters used a technical rope system to pull him out. He was carried up the bluffs and transported to a hospital with a leg injury.

Officials noted the teen was fortunate. "I will say that he is very lucky that he only injured his leg," San Diego Fire-Rescue Lt. Charlie Knight said. "This could have easily been paralysis, death or even hit the cliff, go unconscious, and drown in the water."

Just days later, on Tuesday evening, first responders handled additional rescues in the same area. In one incident near Sunset Cliffs Boulevard and Froude Street, a person (described in reports as a man or young adult) was scaling or climbing the cliffs when he lost his grip, fell, slammed into the rocks below-possibly losing consciousness-and ricocheted into the ocean. A good Samaritan helped keep the person's head above water until lifeguards arrived. Rescuers faced challenges from rocks and currents; the individual was secured to a stretcher and hoisted up the cliff, with a helicopter involved in the operation in some accounts. The person was taken to a hospital with injuries described as serious. A separate nearby rescue also involved a leg injury requiring airlift.

Cliff jumping or diving from more than five feet above the water is prohibited under San Diego Municipal Code section 63.20.23. Authorities have increased patrols by police, lifeguards, and park rangers, issuing warnings and fines (including reports of $1,000 penalties). San Diego Fire-Rescue and Lifeguard Division spokesperson Candace Hadley emphasized the dangers amid the cluster of incidents: "It's incredibly dangerous and we've seen that in two major incidents in a matter of 72 hours."

Sunset Cliffs has long drawn crowds for its scenic views and, despite repeated warnings and viral videos of failed attempts, continues to attract people attempting jumps or climbs. Lifeguards have handled a high volume of rescues this season. Officials urge the public to stay off the cliffs and avoid the activity, which can lead to severe injury or worse due to jagged rocks, unstable terrain, and ocean conditions.