Wild Video Captures Santa Cruz Man Getting Swept Away By Massive Wave

Officials in Santa Cruz County issued a warning to beachgoers after a man was swept into the ocean by a giant wave. They shared a video featuring a man standing alone on a rocky outcropping while waves battered the shore.

A massive wave crashed into the rocks, and the man was pulled into the water. The 20-year-old, who was not identified, managed to swim to the shore, where state park workers found him. He was suffered scrapes and bruises and was transported to the hospital as a precaution.

The area was under a high surf advisory at the time, and the National Weather Service warned beachgoers that they could see swells up to 25 feet.

"Be careful on your coastal New Year's Day hikes, and never turn your back on the ocean! Waves can sneak up on you, as this Bonny Doon beachgoer recently discovered (he is fine after a rescue by State Parks)," officials wrote on Facebook.