wave.jpgFirefighters were called to assist a surfer who got caught in a strong current off the San Francisco coast early this afternoon.

The fire department received a report at 12:30 p.m. of a surfer in distress in the ocean near Sloat Boulevard and Great Highway, department spokeswoman Lt. Mindy Talmadge said.

A rescue crew arrived and helped escort the surfer safely to shore at about 12:50 p.m.

U.S. Coast Guard assistance was requested but the request was quickly canceled, Talmadge said.

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