This morning, at approximately 9:30 a.m., the Huntington Beach Police Department, Huntington Beach Fire Department, and the HBFD Marine Safety Division responded to the area near the Huntington Beach Pier following reports of two women in distress in the water.
Huntington Beach lifeguards located both individuals and brought them to shore, where immediate medical aid was provided. Both women were transported to a local hospital; their conditions are currently unknown.
Detectives from the Major Crimes Unit immediately responded to the scene. The preliminary investigation indicates that both women jumped from the pier into the ocean. There is no threat to the public. The police ask anyone with information about this case to contact Detective Sergeant Anthony Pham at (714) 878-5640. If you would like to remain anonymous, please contact OC Crime Stoppers at (855) TIP-OCCS (855-847-6227).
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges or experiencing a crisis, help is available. The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline can be reached by calling or texting 988, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Orange County residents may also contact the Mobile Crisis Assessment Team at (855) 625-4657. Additional mental health resources are available here.
Out of respect for those involved, no additional details will be released.
Facebook readers at the Huntington Beach Community Voice page indicated that the ladies were older Asian women and this appeared to be a mutual attempt to take their lives.
Incidents of jumping from piers in Orange County, particularly at the Huntington Beach Pier, occur surprisingly often despite being illegal and highly dangerous.
- Frequency of Incidents: Huntington Beach lifeguards and first responders typically respond to pier-jumping calls at least a few dozen times a year.
- Citations Issued: Authorities in Huntington Beach cite approximately one dozen people annually specifically for the act of jumping from the pier.
- Common Causes: Reasons for jumping vary, with first responders reporting that individuals are often intoxicated, acting on a dare, or in some cases, attempting suicide.
- Recent Fatalities: While many are rescued, the activity can be fatal. In October 2022, a man died after jumping from the 40-foot pier following his sister, who survived the jump.
- Penalties: Jumping from any pier in Orange County is a misdemeanor. Violators in Huntington Beach generally face fines ranging from $125 to $300.
- Physical Risks: The distance from the pier to the water is approximately 30 to 45 feet. Risks include hitting shallow sandbars, being pulled away by strong rip currents, or suffering “impact injuries” such as broken legs or cervical spine damage.