State Park Ranger

Department of Parks and Recreation

5/16/1980

Special Act Award (Gold)

On May 16, 1980, State Park Ranger Gary Strachan risked his own life to save two swimmers caught in the riptide off Gold Bluffs Beach at Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. After receiving an emergency call, Ranger Strachan arrived at the scene and saw two people approximately 100 to 250 meters off shore. The water was 43 degrees with six to seven foot waves and a strong riptide moving rapidly out to sea. Ranger Strachan radioed for back-up, removed his boots and unstrapped his gun and other equipment. Stripped to his underwear, he entered the water, swam to the victim furthest from the shore. Fighting desperately against the tide, Ranger Strachan tried unsuccessfully for several minutes to bring the cold and exhausted swimmer closer to shore. He looked toward the beach and saw the second swimmer had luckily been carried safely ashore by the waves. A bystander entered the water with a surfboard to assist with the rescue, however he was unfamiliar with the board and soon in trouble himself. Ranger Strachan left the first swimmer’s side, retrieved the surfboard and instructed the second swimmer to cling to a floating crab pot. Cold and exhausted, Ranger Strachan returned to the first swimmer, a large man, and with considerable effort pushed him ashore. With the last of his remaining strength, Ranger Strachan returned to the second man and brought him safely through the treacherous riptide and waves to shore.