San Diego, California, December 5, 2025
In a remarkable rescue, Sadie, a black Labrador retriever-mix, was saved by lifeguards and the U.S. Coast Guard after being swept half a mile offshore in San Diego due to a rip current. Owners Alexis Barcellos and Brandon Valdez tracked Sadie using an AirTag, leading to her safe return. Despite sustaining some injuries, Sadie has made a cheerful recovery, marking her return to regular activities with a visit to the pet store and a mile-and-a-half walk, showcasing the dedication of local rescue services.
San Diego, California
Dog Rescued After Being Swept Out to Sea by Rip Current
Sadie, a black Labrador retriever-mix, was rescued off the San Diego coast after being swept out to sea by a rip current. Lifeguards and the U.S. Coast Guard conducted an extensive search, ultimately locating Sadie approximately half a mile offshore near South Mission Beach. She was safely returned to her owners, Alexis Barcellos and Brandon Valdez, who expressed profound gratitude for the rescue efforts.
Incident Details
Sadie escaped from her owners’ vacation home during a football game, prompting them to track her using an AirTag on her collar. Surfers in Ocean Beach reported seeing a dog caught in a rip current near the jetty, leading lifeguards and the U.S. Coast Guard to initiate a search. Lifeguards Garrett Smerdon and Jack Alldredge spent over an hour searching on personal watercraft before spotting Sadie offshore. She was transferred to a surf boat and reunited with her owners onshore.
Owner’s Reaction
Alexis Barcellos and Brandon Valdez were overwhelmed with emotion upon hearing that Sadie had been found alive. They expressed deep gratitude for the lifeguards’ dedication and the safe return of their beloved pet.
Sadie’s Recovery
Following the rescue, Sadie suffered injuries to her paws and nails from attempting to climb onto the jetty. Her owners had to carry her for about a week, but she has since been in good spirits. This week, Sadie made her first trip to the pet store since the rescue to pick out a treat and took her first 1.5-mile walk.
Background on Rip Currents
Rip currents are powerful, fast-moving water channels that can pull swimmers away from shore. They are common along coastal areas and pose significant risks to beachgoers. Lifeguards and local authorities emphasize the importance of staying informed about ocean conditions and adhering to safety guidelines to prevent such incidents.
Safety Measures and Recommendations
Beachgoers are advised to:
- Stay informed about local ocean conditions and heed lifeguard warnings.
- Learn how to identify and escape rip currents.
- Use flotation devices when swimming in unfamiliar waters.
- Keep a close watch on children and pets near the water.
Conclusion
The successful rescue of Sadie highlights the dedication and coordination of San Diego’s lifeguards and the U.S. Coast Guard. It also underscores the importance of vigilance and preparedness when enjoying coastal activities to ensure safety for all.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What happened to Sadie?
Sadie, a black Labrador retriever-mix, was swept out to sea by a rip current off the San Diego coast. Lifeguards and the U.S. Coast Guard conducted a search and successfully rescued her approximately half a mile offshore near South Mission Beach. She was reunited with her owners, Alexis Barcellos and Brandon Valdez.
How did Sadie’s owners track her?
Sadie’s owners used an AirTag attached to her collar to track her location after she escaped from their vacation home during a football game.
What are rip currents?
Rip currents are powerful, fast-moving water channels that can pull swimmers away from shore. They are common along coastal areas and pose significant risks to beachgoers.
What should beachgoers do to stay safe?
Beachgoers are advised to stay informed about local ocean conditions, learn how to identify and escape rip currents, use flotation devices when swimming in unfamiliar waters, and keep a close watch on children and pets near the water.
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Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | San Diego, California |
| Animal Involved | Sadie, a black Labrador retriever-mix |
| Cause of Incident | Rip current |
| Rescue Team | San Diego Fire-Rescue Department and U.S. Coast Guard |
| Rescue Location | Approximately half a mile offshore near South Mission Beach |
| Owner’s Names | Alexis Barcellos and Brandon Valdez |
| Tracking Method | AirTag attached to Sadie’s collar |
| Injuries Sustained | Injuries to paws and nails from attempting to climb onto the jetty |
| Owner’s Reaction | Overwhelmed with emotion and gratitude upon hearing that Sadie had been found alive |
| Sadie’s Recovery | In good spirits; made her first trip to the pet store and took a 1.5-mile walk |
| Safety Recommendations | Stay informed about local ocean conditions, learn to identify and escape rip currents, use flotation devices, and supervise children and pets near the water |
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Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
