A Guide from Degree 33 Surfboards

A few years ago, our ambassador Liam O'Callaghan was surfing a big day with a mentor-friend who was a lifelong surfer. After a bad wipeout, this friend broke multiple ribs and nearly drowned. He called for help, yet the majority of the people in the lineup remained static in fear. Their inadequacy almost lead to a fatality. 

Liam, on the other hand, is a trained lifeguard. He quickly and courageously jumped into action, rescuing his friend from on-coming sets before paddling him to the beach where he received medical aid. 

Liam's friend is lucky that he was there to save him, but the immobility of the entire crowd pointed to a big problem among surfers: We often don't know how to adequately  respond in surf related emergencies. For this reason, it is the responsibility of every surfer to learn how to be a first responder in the line-up. 

At Degree 33 Surfboards, we believe the goal isn’t just to catch waves—it’s to enjoy a lifetime of surfing safely. This guide covers the fundamental surf safety principles that will keep your fellow surfers safe in the water. 

1. Your Surfboard Is a Rescue Device

A surfboard provides significant flotation, which is why surfers are often able to assist swimmers or other surfers in distress.

In many ocean emergencies, the most important thing a rescuer can do is get flotation to the person struggling.

A surfboard allows you to:

• Support someone who is exhausted

• Keep someone above water

• Help them rest and breathe

• Slowly guide them back toward shore

Even a midlength or shortboard provides enough buoyancy to support another person.

For this reason, never paddle out without a leash. Your board is not only essential for surfing—it may also become the flotation device that helps someone survive.

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2. Learn to Recognize When Someone Is in Trouble

Not every ocean emergency looks dramatic.

In reality, people struggling in the water are often quiet and exhausted, not waving and shouting like in movies.

Signs that someone may need help include:

• Vertical body position in the water (not swimming forward)

• Head barely above the surface

• Repeatedly going under

• Weak or ineffective swimming

• Panic or frantic movement

• Calling out for help

Another warning sign is when someone is drifting quickly offshore in a rip current and clearly unable to paddle or swim back.

Surfers who are paying attention can often spot trouble early—before the situation becomes critical.

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3. Alert Lifeguards or Others Immediately

Before attempting a rescue yourself, signal for help if possible.

If lifeguards are present:

• Wave both arms overhead

• Point toward the person in distress

• Yell for assistance

Other surfers in the lineup can also help.

Ocean rescues are often safest when multiple surfers work together. One surfer can provide flotation while another helps paddle the person back to shore or alerts lifeguards.

The key principle is simple:

Don’t try to handle a serious emergency alone if help is nearby.

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4. Approach Calmly and From a Safe Angle

When approaching someone in distress, stay calm and think clearly.

A panicked swimmer may grab onto you, which can create a dangerous situation for both people.

Instead:

• Approach from the side or slightly behind them

• Keep your surfboard between you and the person

• Speak calmly and clearly

Let them know help is there:

“Grab the board.”
“Hold onto this.”
“You’re okay.”

Your board acts as a barrier and flotation platform, keeping both of you safer.

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5. Give Them the Board First

In many cases, the safest rescue technique is very simple:

Give the person access to your board.

They can:

• Grab the rails

• Climb onto the deck

• Hold the nose or tail

Once they have flotation and can breathe normally, panic usually decreases quickly.

From there you can:

• Paddle them toward shore

• Let them rest until help arrives

• Guide them out of a rip current

The goal is not speed—it’s stability and breathing.

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6. How to Help Someone in a Rip Current

Rip currents are one of the most common reasons people get into trouble in the ocean.

A swimmer caught in a rip current may panic and try to swim directly toward shore, quickly becoming exhausted.

If you reach someone caught in a rip:

1. Give them your board or flotation

2. Encourage them to stay calm

3. Paddle parallel to the beach, not straight in

4. Exit the rip current channel

5. Then head back toward shore

The key is helping them escape the current first, not fighting it.

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7. Know Your Limits

Helping someone in the water is admirable, but rescuers must also think about their own safety.

If conditions are extremely dangerous—large surf, powerful currents, or multiple victims—your best action may be to:

• Alert lifeguards

• Signal other surfers

• Keep eyes on the person until trained help arrives

Putting yourself in serious danger can create two victims instead of one.

Responsible surfers help when they can—but they also recognize when professional rescue is needed.

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8. Assist After the Person Reaches Shore

Once someone reaches the beach, the situation may not be over.

They could still be:

• Exhausted

• In shock

• Having difficulty breathing

If lifeguards are not present:

• Call emergency services

• Help them sit or lie down

• Keep them warm

• Stay nearby until help arrives

Even simple support after a rescue can make a big difference.

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9. Watch Out for Each Other in the Lineup

Most ocean rescues involving surfers actually involve other surfers.

Common situations include:

• Broken leashes in strong currents

• Injuries from collisions

• Surfers taking heavy wipeouts

• Someone caught inside and unable to paddle in

Pay attention to the people around you. A quick check-in like:

“You good?”

can help identify someone who needs assistance.

Surfing has always had a strong culture of looking out for one another, and that spirit helps keep the lineup safer for everyone.

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10. Respect the Ocean

The most effective rescue is the one that never has to happen.

Surfers reduce risk by:

• Checking conditions before paddling out

• Surfing waves appropriate for their ability

• Wearing a leash

• Staying aware of currents and hazards

Experience in the ocean builds judgment, and good judgment prevents many emergencies before they start.

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Final Thoughts

Surfers spend more time in the water than almost anyone else. Because of that, they often become the first line of help when something goes wrong in the ocean.

You don’t need formal rescue training to make a difference.

Sometimes the most important actions are simple:

• Stay calm

• Bring flotation

• Call for help

• Guide someone safely back to shore

Your surfboard isn’t just a tool for catching waves—it can also become a life-saving device when someone needs it most.

And looking out for each other in the ocean is one of the traditions that makes surfing such a powerful community.