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.
