Program teaches OC surfers to respond to drownings, medical emergencies

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. (KABC) -- Lifeguards watch the water in popular surf spots like Huntington Beach, but it can be more powerful than some visitors realize.

Swimmers and surfers can get caught up in strong ripcurrents or suffer a medical emergency like a heart attack or aneurysm out on the water.

That's why water-safety courses are offered for surfers to be able to recognize when someone is having a problem and take action.

Huntington Beach lifeguards and the Wahine Kai surf club teamed up recently to offer the Surfers Awareness in Lifesaving Techniques program. It teaches surfers to recognize when someone is about to drown, and how they should react and respond.

To see how the program works, watch the video above.