Labrador Retriever Found Paddling Alone in Open Ocean After Disappearing on San Diego Vacation

A vacation in San Diego took a frightening turn when a family's dog wandered off and ended up in the ocean, prompting a tense, hours-long rescue effort. Lifeguards spotted Sadie, a black Labrador mix, paddling alone just as the search was about to be called off.

Owners Alexis and Brandon were overwhelmed with relief when they learned their dog was safe. The reunion took place on a San Diego beach following a stressful search.

The couple had planned a calm Sunday visiting friends, but their dog, Sadie, bolted from the house where they were staying on November 23. Luckily, Sadie wore a GPS collar, which allowed her owners to track her movements. The GPS led them to Ocean Beach, approximately two miles away, according to the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department.

While making their way to the beach, a surfer alerted lifeguards that a dog had been carried from the jetty into a rip current. Lifeguards Garrett Smerdon and Jack Alldredge, along with a small Coast Guard boat, responded to the emergency.

"We were stationed at Mission Beach and launched a ski to assist in the search," Smerdon said. Alldredge added, "We searched for an hour, hoping we'd find her."

The lifeguards remained hopeful, noting that black Labradors are resilient swimmers. Eventually, the search was nearly called off, with the lifeguards about three-quarters of a mile from shore. At that moment, Alldredge spotted movement in the water. "We approached and realized it was her," he said. Smerdon noted that Sadie appeared tired but was thrilled to see them.

The San Diego Fire-Rescue Department shared the story on social media, while Alexis and Brandon recorded a video message expressing gratitude for Sadie's safe return. They described the emotional moment of hearing she was found, saying they "started crying right away."

Author: Sophia Brooks