California State Park Peace Officer / Ranger

Department of Parks and Recreation

6/22/2009

Special Act Award (Gold)

On June 22, 2009, California State Park Peace Officers, Lifeguard James W. Nothhelfer and Ranger Timothy B. Fellars, responded to a report of an overturned boat off the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve near Moss Beach. This area is well known for causing boat accidents due to the hazardous, shallow reef. At approximately 1:00 p.m., Officer Nothhelfer arrived on the scene, put his wetsuit on, and began to paddle out toward the victims. Facing nine foot choppy surf that was closely spaced due to the northwest winds that day and floating debris and gasoline caused from the overturned boat, Officer Nothhelfer made his way out through the rocky reef surf zone approximately 300 yards offshore. Six family members, including a six year old boy, had all been tossed into the 54 degree water when their boat overturned. Gathering five of the six family members together on top of his rescue paddleboard, Officer Nothhelfer was able to locate the sixth member who was clinging to the bow of the boat and brought him back to the paddleboard just before the boat sank. Officer Nothhelfer was able to hold on to all of the family members until Ranger Fellars arrived on the scene to provide additional help. Ranger Fellars, a former Lifeguard with California State Parks, put his wetsuit on and swam out through the same dangerous area to assist Officer Nothhelfer. Despite being hit repeatedly by the surf, together they were able to hold on to the family members until all were transferred to a waiting Patrol boat. After transport to the harbor, five of the family members were transported by ground ambulances to area hospitals and treated for hypothermia. The six year old boy was transported by medical helicopter to an area hospital for severe hypothermia and near drowning. Although tired from their efforts, Officer Nothhelfer and Ranger Fellars were not injured during this strenuous and dangerous ocean rescue.