A kite surfer stranded on a cliffside beach in California was rescued Sunday after he used rocks to spell out the word ‘HELP,’ officials said.

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) San Mateo and Santa Cruz unit said a private helicopter spotted the kite surfer’s makeshift sign and made the call for help on Sunday. It’s unclear how long he had been stranded on the beach south of Davenport Landing.

Cal Fire shared videos showing a helicopter hoisting the kite surfer to safety. Along with Cal Fire’s San Mateo and Santa Cruz units, a helicopter from the agency’s Santa Clara unit, Santa Cruz County Fire, and California State Parks “all worked together to complete the extraction.”

Kite surfer rescued HELP
Cal Fire footage shows a helicopter crew rescuing a kite surfer who used rocks to spell “HELP” on a beach near Santa Cruz, California on June 10, 2024. (Cal Fire)

The videos show the kite surfer’s ‘HELP’ sign spelled out near the base of the steep cliff, which stretches into the distance, cutting off the beach from the road above.

Cal Fire said the kite surfer was unharmed and only needed help getting off the beach.