A 17-year-old boy sustained injuries after an illegal cliff jump at Sunset Cliffs in San Diego over the weekend. The incident was captured on video, showing the teen leaping from the cliff into the ocean.
Witnesses recorded the moment the boy ran and jumped from the elevated point. The footage indicates he struck the side of the rocks before falling into the water. San Diego Fire-Rescue confirmed that the teen was rescued from the water and transported to a local hospital. The extent of his injuries remains unclear.
The jump occurred on Saturday afternoon. The call for rescue came in at approximately 4:27 p.m., and the individual was taken to the hospital by 5:16 p.m., according to Candace Hadley, Public Information Officer for San Diego Fire-Rescue.
Sunset Cliffs is a known spot for illegal cliff diving, despite warnings and municipal codes prohibiting such activities. The city ordinance makes it illegal to jump or dive into the Pacific Ocean or Mission Bay from any natural or man-made point more than five feet above the water.
“We want locals and visitors to enjoy San Diego’s coastline safely. Please stay back from cliff edges, follow all posted warnings and never jump from cliffs or other elevated areas into the water,” Hadley stated. Signs in the area warn of fines and potential arrests for those who engage in cliff jumping.
Despite these warnings, the area near Sunset Cliffs Boulevard has continued to be a site for cliff diving. In April, a section of the bluff near an arch in the cliffs collapsed, increasing concerns among local safety experts and geologists.
Resident Rae-Kwon Goldsmith commented on the danger of the location, noting it is unsuitable for beginners. "If you know you’re jumping at this type of height and you’re jumping on these cliffs you should know the risk that is associated with doing such," Goldsmith said.
Past incidents at Sunset Cliffs highlight the dangers associated with cliff jumping. In 2019, a 15-year-old boy died after being submerged for nearly an hour. Between 2005 and 2017, reports indicate an average of five deaths and injuries occurred annually at Sunset Cliffs.