A man was rescued in the ocean waters off of Long Beach this morning by Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department (LASD) rescue personnel in a joint operation with the U.S. Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles/Long Beach, LASD officials stated.

The Coast Guard received a call at 8:30AM of an unmanned small boat moving in circles several miles off the coast of Long Beach, according to a release.

The Coast Guard then coordinated a rescue response with LASD which quickly sent rescue personnel to the boat. They were able to locate the boat operator in the ocean five miles off of the coast of Long Beach, treading water, using additional coordinates provided by the Coast Guard.

An LASD paramedic rescue deputy sheriff then jumped in the water and ensured the victim’s head remained above water until a Coast Guard boat arrived on scene.

Once the victim was on the boat, authorities examined him and determined he had no injuries.

“He indicated he fell off his small boat and had been treading water using flip flop shoes on his hands for about 20 minutes,” officials stated. “Needless to say, he is alive and well due to the rapid, coordinated response of LASD and Coast Guard personnel.”

Stephanie Rivera is the community engagement editor. Reach her at [email protected] or on Twitter at @StephRivera88.