Just days after a 17-year-old was hospitalized following a failed cliff jump at San Diego’s Sunset Cliffs, another frightening incident has put the spotlight back on one of Southern California’s most notorious thrill-seeking, clout-chasing destinations.
This time, video shared online shows a man scrambling up the sandstone cliffs before suddenly losing his grip. He plummets onto the jagged rocks below, drawing horrified reactions from onlookers before emergency responders arrived.
Lifeguards jump into the water to rescue; an ocean safety jet ski is floating nearby; and the man is hoisted on a stretcher from the scene. View full video here.
Details about the latest incident at Sunset Cliffs – the personal information about the victim, the status of his injuries, etc. – remain unknown as of now.
The new incident comes on the heels of another viral video from the same stretch of coastline, in which a 17-year-old sprinted toward the cliff’s edge in an attempt to clear the rocks below. Instead, he landed violently on the bluff before tumbling into the ocean. San Diego lifeguards rescued the teen and transported him to a hospital.
“I will say that he is very lucky that he only injured his leg,” SDFD Lt. Charlie Knight told NBC San Diego. “This could have easily been paralysis, death, or even hitting the cliff, going unconscious, and drowning in the water.”
In San Diego, jumping off a cliff higher than five feet is illegal under Municipal Code section 63.20.23. With the increase in incidents, authorities emphasized the dangers.
“We want locals and visitors to enjoy San Diego’s coastline safely,” San Diego Fire-Rescue spokesperson Candace Hadley. “Please stay back from cliff edges, follow all posted warnings and never jump from cliffs or other elevated areas into the water.”
Related: Cliff Jump Goes Horribly Wrong in San Diego, Hospitalizing Teen (Video)
Some observers have linked the behavior to the recent social media trend known as “aura farming.” The slang refers to performing increasingly risky or flashy stunts to earn online admiration, views, or perceived “cool points.” While many videos are harmless, critics say the trend has encouraged some people to push well beyond their limits.
The trend has become popular amongst Gen Alpha on social media platforms, primarily TikTok. And the OG of aura farming? Rayyan Arkan Dikha, the 11-year-old Indonesian boy who went viral for casually dancing on the bow of a boat during a race.
At Sunset Cliffs, however, the aura these youngsters are farming is much more consequential. Deadly, even. A 15-year-old died following a jump in 2019.
Rest in peace.
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