Man stranded by tide is rescued

A 40-year-old man stranded by high tide on rocks at the foot of bluffs at Point Fermin Park was pulled to safety by a kayaker Saturday night, moments before rescue personnel could reach him, authorities said.

The unidentified man called 911 at 7:09 p.m. The Los Angeles Fire Department responded with boats, a helicopter and ground crews who began descending the cliff to rescue the man, said Brian Humphrey, a Fire Department spokesman.

Before they could reach him, a passing kayaker paddled to the man, helped him aboard and took him to shore.

“Crisis averted,” Humphrey said.

The rescued man declined medical attention.

The shoreline is one of the most treacherous in the city, where unpredictable swells and sharp rocks have resulted in many accidental deaths, Humphrey said.