Tijuana firefighters pulled a 54-year-old man from the ocean at Playas de Tijuana on Tuesday afternoon after strong currents swept him away and left him unable to swim back to shore on his own.
The incident was reported at 2:41 p.m. on April 21, prompting an immediate emergency response. Rafael Carrillo Venegas, director of the Tijuana Fire Department, said the department activated its rescue protocols and dispatched 10 personnel to the scene.
Five members of the Aquatic Rescue Division responded alongside five firefighters from Station No. 10 in Playas de Tijuana. Crews carried out search and extraction maneuvers and successfully pulled the man from the water.
Rescued Swimmer Had No Serious Injuries
Carrillo Venegas said the man is a resident of the Playas de Tijuana neighborhood. Emergency crews evaluated him on site and determined he had no serious injuries. He was classified as “priority green,” meaning he did not require hospital transport.
Playas de Tijuana sits at the far northwestern corner of Mexico, where the Pacific coastline meets the U.S. border. The area is popular with local families, cross-border visitors, and expats who live in the surrounding residential neighborhoods. Its beach stretches south from the iconic border fence that juts into the surf.
Rip Currents a Recurring Danger on Northern Baja Coast
Ocean rescues along this stretch of coast are not uncommon, particularly in spring and early summer. Rip currents can form quickly near the border jetty area, catching even experienced swimmers off guard. In April 2024, a 27-year-old San Diego man drowned after being pulled by currents while swimming near Playas de Tijuana.
Tijuana’s Aquatic Rescue Division patrols the coastline during peak beach season, but staffing is limited compared to lifeguard operations on the U.S. side of the border. Swimmers at Playas de Tijuana should watch for posted warnings, avoid entering the water alone, and stay clear of rocky structures and jetties where currents tend to intensify.
The Tijuana city government said it will continue strengthening its emergency response capacity and promoting preventive safety measures along the coast, as reported by Semanario ZETA.