Kayaker drowns off coast of San Luis Obispo County
CalCoastNews
May 2, 2026
It was a heartbreaking start to the weekend out at Montana de Oro. According to CalCoastNews, a kayaker drowned near the park’s coastline on Saturday morning after waves flipped his boat. What makes this especially tough to hear is that his life vest reportedly slipped off during the incident—a stark reminder that even the most familiar, beautiful stretches of our coast can turn dangerous in an instant.
For those of us who live here, Montana de Oro is a cherished backyard escape. We hike the bluffs, watch the surfers at Spooner’s Cove, and yes, we paddle those waters. But our ocean isn’t a swimming pool. The rip currents and shore break along the SLO County coast demand real respect. If you or someone you love is heading out on the water this spring, please double-check that gear—especially that life jacket—fits snug and secure. Let’s look out for each other out there.
This summary was written by AI based on the original article from CalCoastNews.
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May 2, 2026
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