DJI Matrice 30 drone helps rescue surfer swept offshore in California

A surf session off the California coast nearly turned tragic, but a lobster trap buoy and a DJI Matrice 30 drone helped write a very different ending, as reported by FOX WEATHER.

High surf pulls surfer away from shore

The incident happened Friday at Haskell Beach in Goleta, California, where a surfer in his 20s was caught in powerful high surf that ripped his board away and dragged him steadily out to sea. With no board beneath his feet and rough conditions all around, the distance from shore grew fast and dangerous.

The surfer had been in the water with a friend, who quickly realized he was missing and called 911. That call triggered an immediate response from the Santa Barbara County Fire Department, which began a shoreline search while waves continued to pound the coast.

Crews soon located the missing surfboard washed up on the beach, a clear sign the surfer was still in the water and likely in trouble.

Lobster buoy and DJI Matrice 30 locate the surfer

Out in the open water, the surfer managed to grab onto a lobster trap buoy, an unexpected floating lifeline that kept him afloat as he waited for help.

With visibility challenges and growing urgency, Santa Barbara County Fire Department deployed its aerial drone resources, launching a DJI Matrice 30 equipped with thermal cameras.

The department operates at least two Matrice 30 units, each outfitted with infrared sensors, spotlights, and loudspeakers, a setup designed specifically for search and rescue missions.

Using thermal imaging, crews spotted the surfer approximately one quarter of a mile offshore, clinging to the buoy. Live drone video guided rescue swimmers directly to his location, eliminating guesswork and significantly reducing the time needed to make contact.

Safe recovery and safety reminder

Rescue swimmers reached the surfer, confirmed he was stable, and escorted him safely back to shore. Paramedics evaluated him on the beach and determined that no medical treatment was needed.

The Santa Barbara County Fire Department later highlighted the teamwork behind the rescue. “Thanks to the quick thinking friend, our dedicated SBC Fire teams and the life saving drone technology,” the department said in a social media post.

Officials also issued a reminder to the public to avoid entering the ocean alone, especially during rough surf conditions, noting that early calls for help and modern tools can save lives, but prevention remains the best defense.

DroneXL’s Take

This rescue shows exactly why public safety agencies are investing in platforms like the DJI Matrice 30, not as gadgets, but as reliable airborne partners that can scan rough water with thermal vision, guide swimmers with precision, and quietly turn a drifting emergency into a controlled, successful rescue.

Photo credit: FOX Wheater