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OCEANSIDE, Calif. (KSWB) – In an inspiring act of bravery, a Southern California surf coach is being hailed as a hero after rescuing a father and daughter caught in a rip current earlier this week.
The rescue unfolded at the Western Surfing Association (WSA) Oceanside Harbor South Jetty surf contest. Lucas Taub, who was coaching from the jetty, sprang into action when he noticed the pair in distress.
Speaking to Nexstar’s KSWB, Taub recounted observing a young girl being swept away by the relentless waves. Her father attempted a rescue but soon found himself battling the same treacherous current.
Without hesitation, Taub leaped into the sea, still in his everyday clothes, to offer assistance.
“I saw his daughter struggling, and I saw him struggling. There wasn’t a moment’s doubt in my mind—I knew I had to jump in,” he explained.
Video taken by a bystander shows the moment Taub entered the ocean and swam toward the pair as they fought to stay above water.
Taub, a coach for the Westcliff College surf team and a mentor to young surfers in the community, was able to help bring both individuals safely back to shore. No serious injuries were reported.
Chris Greene, the girl’s father, reunited with Taub on Saturday for the first time since the incident. Greene told KSWB that the actions of Taub saved their lives.
“I honest to God didn’t think I was going to make it, when I got there, I was relieved, but then I also realized as I have her I’m just physically and mentally exhausted, and honest to God I heard the voice of an angel at the time, I look up and on the jetty is Lucas,” he said.
The rescue is now drawing attention across the local surf community, where many say Taub’s actions reflect a broader culture of responsibility among those who spend time in the water.
Supporters say the moment highlights an unspoken rule among surfers to look out for others, regardless of whether they know them.
Officials frequently warn that rip currents can form quickly and pull even experienced swimmers away from shore. Beachgoers are advised to remain aware of ocean conditions and, if caught in a rip current, to avoid fighting the current and instead swim parallel to shore while signaling for help.