Woman Rescued From Ocean at South Oregon Coast's Secret Beach During Weekend's High Waves

Published 11/10/2026 at 9:58 p.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Brookings, Oregon) – Secret Beach, near Brookings, has proven to be a dangerous place more than once in recent year. This weekend it upped its repuation. (Photo CCAS)

A woman was rescued Sunday evening on the south Oregon coast after being swept into the ocean by powerful surf at Secret Beach near Thunder Rock Cove, according to Curry County Aquatic Safety (CCAS).

The incident occurred at approximately 5:18 p.m. on Nov. 8, when Curry County Sheriff's Office dispatchers received a 911 call from a man reporting that his wife had been swept off the beach by waves and was stranded offshore. The caller told dispatchers the woman was clinging to rocks in the surf and that he was unable to reach her.

See A Weekend of Near-Deadly Misses Along the Oregon Coast in Video --- More weather warnings on the way this week

At the time of the rescue, a National Weather Service high surf warning was in effect along the southern Oregon coast, with waves reported at 25 to 30 feet. Responders faced challenging conditions that included an outgoing tide and heavy wave surges. On top of all that, there was diminishing visibility after sunset.

Deputy Aryanfard with the Curry County Sheriff's Office was the first responder to reach the scene, accessing the shoreline via the Thunder Rock Cove trailhead. Upon arrival, the deputy discovered the woman approximately 50 to 70 feet offshore and about 200 feet down the coastline. Waves were seriously pounding the area: she was in quite a bit of danger.

CCAS Lifeguard Ingram arrived shortly afterward and entered the water to attempt a rescue. After reaching the woman, Ingram evaluated her condition, secured her with a rescue tube and successfully brought her safely back to shore.

Personnel from CAL-OR and Brookings Fire and Rescue then provided medical evaluation before transporting the woman to a local hospital for further assessment.

Officials credited the successful rescue to the rapid response and coordination among multiple agencies, noting the outcome could have been far more serious under the dangerous ocean conditions.

More coming this week Active Wave Week Along Oregon, Washington - Surf Up to 35 Ft High Coming ---- Weekend will get dangerous again, then another system early week

Curry County Aquatic Safety used the incident to remind residents and visitors of the hazards posed by high surf along the southern Oregon coast. Officials encourage beachgoers to view large surf from far back, at designated scenic overlooks - and to avoid entering hazardous shoreline areas during warnings.

Photo Manuela Durson - Manuela Durson Fine Arts

According to the agency, lifeguards contacted more than 150 beach visitors during the Nov. 8 high surf event, providing safety information to more than 130 people. Lifeguards also responded to a separate rescue involving a group attempting to swim in hazardous surf conditions.

Secret Beach is Ironically Famous on South Oregon Coast | Video Secret Beach (near Brookings) walks an interesting line

Officials urge visitors to check weather warnings, ocean swell forecasts and tide information before heading to the coast and to seek guidance from lifeguards when available.

“The successful rescue at Secret Beach demonstrates the importance of emergency preparedness, interagency coordination, and the dedication of Curry County’s first responders,” said the agency. “Curry County Aquatic Safety extends its appreciation to the Curry County Sheriff’s Office, CAL-OR, Brookings Fire and Rescue, and all responding personnel for their efforts in bringing this incident to a successful conclusion.”

Oregon Coast Hotels in this area - South Coast Hotels - Oregon Coast Vacation Rentals - Where to eat - Maps - Virtual Tours

MORE PHOTOS BELOW

Georgie R Reviewed Nehalem River Inn
7 Sep 2026 at 11:11pm
An exceptional atmosphere throughout! Love the backwoods feel of the area. Kind of isolated, serene. Great d�cor 'n comfy.

Seaside Hotel Reviews: JTA223522 - Practicially Perfect by the Prom (five stars)
14 Jun 2026 at 4:12am
The place came highly recommended from friends, so I figured it was going to be good. But I wasn't prepared for this awesome. I felt soooo at home. Room with a balcony right on the ocean ? that was incredible. It may not be upscale but it's not far from that at all. Went with the family and our favorite thing was sitting in that enclosed area at dusk, watching the Prom and sipping the early evening away. Just gorgeous all around. Will so be back. 4/12/2025

Lynn Sheneman Scrutton recommends A1 Beach Rentals, Lincoln City Reviews
3 Sep 2026 at 6:22pm
Family owned and operated, beautiful ocean front, clean and well cared for. Near Roads End, Cascade Head, NW 15th ramp. Best rooms for Roads End. Next to D River access, shopping, close to Siletz Bay

More About Oregon Coast hotels, lodging.....

More About Oregon Coast Restaurants, Dining.....

Washington Coast / Oregon Coast Articles (stories are random: hit reload to see different articles)

Back to Oregon Coast

Contact Advertise on Oregon Coast Beach Connection
All Content, unless otherwise attributed, copyright © Oregon Coast Beach Connection. Unauthorized use or publication is not permitted