Five rescued from Pacific Ocean off Oceanside during high rip current risk

Video: High rip current risk in Pacific Ocean off San Diego

OCEANSIDE, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) -- Lifeguards and first responders had a busy day in Oceanside after they rescued five people from the Pacific Ocean near the pier in downtown Oceanside. One of the swimmers had to be airlifted to a trauma center.

A bystander ran into Lifeguard Headquarters around 1:40 p.m. to alert lifeguards of multiple swimmers that were in distress near the Oceanside Pier off The Strand, the Oceanside Fire Department reports.

Lifeguards were in the water within minutes and rescued five people.

Once the swimmers were on shore, first responders and lifeguards evaluated and treated them. One person had to be airlifted by helicopter to Scripps La Jolla Trauma Center, and two other people were taken to an Oceanside hospital by ambulance. Two others that were rescued declined treatment, the fire department said.

The rescues come amid a high rip current risk at San Diego area beaches on Friday, according to the National Weather Service, with three to five foot waves.

The Oceanside Fire Department said beachgoers should swim near lifeguard towers, remain aware of surf and rip current conditions, and never hesitate to seek help from lifeguards if they or others appear to be in distress.

Around 25 first responders, including the Carlsbad Police Department, assisted with the rescue.