A visitor from Port Orchard swam out into the ocean to save a stranded 17-year-old girl on Monday, and both were then assisted by a water rescue line gun deployed by an Ocean Shores Fire Department paramedic who pulled them to shore just off the Chance a la Mer main beach approach in Ocean Shores.

At 12:59 p.m. Monday, the Ocean Shores Fire Department, Ocean Shores Police Department, along with Grays Harbor Sheriff’s deputies, Washington State Parks and the Coast Guard, were all called to a “female on a boogie board, unable to get back in,” said a news release from the Fire Department.

Police Sgt. Anthony Vierra arrived on scene to find that a person described as a “good Samaritan” had quickly acted, swimming out to the victim. The “swift actions saved the victim from being swept further out into the ocean.”

Lt. Paramedic Travis Bearden of the Ocean Shores Fire Department then entered the water to deploy a water rescue line gun — an air powered gun that shoots a life ring and rope — and both were pulled to shore where the arriving units helped carry them to an awaiting ambulance.

The Fire Department transported the 17-year-old, who was visiting from Yelm, to Grays Harbor Community Hospital for further evaluation.

As part of its news release, the Fire Department reminded the public of the dangers of swimming in the ocean:

“The beaches of Ocean Shores have several rip currents. If you find yourself caught in a rip current, do not fight the current. Swim out of the current, perpendicular to the beach. Once out of the current, begin to swim toward the beach, but still away from the rip current. If you cannot escape the rip current, float or tread water, then call and wave for help. If you see someone who is caught in a rip current, call 911 immediately. Yell to the person, and help them follow the above instructions. If possible, throw something that floats to the victim.”

For further information go to www.ripcurrents.noaa.gov