Officials Call Off Ocean Swimmer Search

Emergency crews were looking for a swimmer that went missing in the ocean at Arroyo Burro Beach.

Santa Barbara City Fire and Santa Barbara County Fire were dispatched to the beach just after 4 p.m. Friday. Officials said a man was seen swimming between the shoreline and the buoy right near the Boathouse Restaurant.

After searching for just over an hour, fire officials have called off the rescue. Authorities confirm they do not believe a person to be in trouble in the ocean at this time.

City Fire Battalion chief said this was a good opportunity to exercise working with multiple agencies.

Tourists said they noticed dogs going into the water and then come out and pace on the shoreline as if the animals were looking for its owner.

Firefighters said the dogs’s owners were out of town and that they had been taken to the dog beach by friends of the family. They called the dog owners to make sure no one was missing.

Authorities brought in jet skis and a helicopter to assist in the search. The Coast Guard rescue team was called in to help search the water as well.

Firefighters said it turned out to be good practice at a busy beach.

They also said if people go swimming they should tell a friend. And friends should remember the color of the suit or clothing they are wearing in case a search is needed.

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