On a fog-laden Friday off the coast of Malibu, a routine patrol for the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department turned into a dramatic life-or-death rescue that has since drawn widespread praise. Two paragliders, a man and a woman, plunged into the cold Pacific Ocean after becoming disoriented in dense fog. What followed was a swift, high-risk response by Deputies Christopher Matkin and Sevak Grigoryan, whose actions underscored the realities of frontline law enforcement work and the split-second decisions that can mean the difference between survival and tragedy.
Body-worn camera footage later released by the department captured the urgency of the moment, as the deputies sprinted toward the surf, shouting encouragement and shedding their gear before entering treacherous waters. The rescue, now hailed by department leadership and the wider public, stands as a powerful example of courage under pressure and professional commitment to public safety.
A Sudden Emergency in Dangerous Conditions
The incident unfolded near Malibu’s coastline, an area known for its scenic beauty but also for rapidly changing weather conditions. According to authorities, the two paragliders were likely in the process of descending when they encountered a dense fog bank over the ocean. Fog, particularly over open water, can severely impair visibility and spatial awareness, even for experienced pilots. In this case, officials believe the reduced visibility caused the paragliders to lose their bearings, ultimately crashing into the sea.
Emergency calls alerted the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department to two people in distress in the water. Deputies Christopher Matkin and Sevak Grigoryan were among the first to respond. When they arrived at the scene, they were confronted with a perilous situation: the paragliders were struggling to stay afloat, their legs entangled in heavy safety equipment associated with their paragliders. This equipment, designed to provide protection in the air, became a deadly liability in the water, dragging them beneath the surface as waves and currents compounded the danger.
Bodycam footage shows the deputies immediately assessing the situation and acting without hesitation. A statement later released by the sheriff’s department emphasized that both deputies were fully aware of the risks involved. Nevertheless, they removed their department-issued gear, which could have weighed them down, and ran straight into the surf. The water conditions were far from ideal. Ocean rescues are inherently dangerous, even for trained personnel, due to unpredictable waves, strong currents, and limited visibility. In this case, the fog added another layer of complexity, making it difficult to see clearly and judge distances.
Proud of our @LASDHQ deputies for rescuing two paragliders from imminent danger of drowning. Deputies Matkin and Grigoryan acted without hesitation, putting themselves in harm’s way to save lives. Our Department is fortunate to have deputies like you serving our communities. pic.twitter.com/qYTpmWwKlZ
— Robert Luna (@LACoSheriff) December 20, 2025
The deputies swam approximately 75 feet from shore to reach the distressed paragliders. That distance, manageable in calm conditions, becomes significantly more challenging in choppy water while carrying rescue equipment and contending with panicked victims. As they approached, they found that the paragliders’ legs were tightly entangled, and the weight of the gear was pulling them under repeatedly. Time was critical, and there was little margin for error.
A Tense Rescue and Split-Second Decisions
Once in the water, Deputies Matkin and Grigoryan faced a scenario that demanded not only physical strength but also mental composure. Deputy Matkin later described the rescue as “tense,” noting that the paragliders were panicked and repeatedly pulled the deputies underwater in their struggle to stay afloat. Such reactions are common in near-drowning situations, where fear can override rational behavior and inadvertently endanger both victims and rescuers.
Despite these challenges, the deputies managed to calm the paragliders, a crucial step in stabilizing the situation. Clear communication and reassurance can help reduce panic, allowing rescuers to work more effectively. With the victims somewhat steadied, the deputies drew knives and began cutting away the heavy safety equipment that had ensnared their legs. This action required precision and speed. Cutting too slowly risked further submersion, while careless movements could have caused injury.
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Deputy Grigoryan later explained that there was no time for extended deliberation. “It was just, ‘We gotta act and we gotta act now,’” he said at a press conference. His words reflect a reality familiar to emergency responders: the necessity of making rapid decisions based on training, instinct, and experience. In such moments, hesitation can be as dangerous as a wrong choice.
The deputies’ actions ultimately freed the paragliders from the equipment that was dragging them down. With the immediate danger reduced, they were able to guide the man and woman back toward shore, where additional assistance could be provided. Both paragliders survived the ordeal and are expected to make a full recovery, according to authorities.
The release of bodycam footage offered the public a rare, unfiltered look at the rescue as it unfolded. The images and audio captured the urgency, the physical exertion, and the emotional intensity of the moment. For many viewers, the footage reinforced an understanding of the unpredictable and hazardous situations law enforcement officers can encounter, even outside of traditional crime-related duties.
Recognition, Public Praise, and Broader Implications
In the aftermath of the rescue, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department publicly praised Deputies Matkin and Grigoryan for their courage and decisive action. In a statement shared with Fox News, the department highlighted that the deputies acted “without hesitation and fully aware of the danger,” emphasizing the selflessness inherent in their response. The department described the rescue as a demonstration of “courage, quick thinking, and selfless dedication,” qualities it said exemplify the values of the sheriff’s department.
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna also took to social media to commend the deputies. In a post shared on X, he expressed pride in their actions, stating that they put themselves in harm’s way to save lives and that the department is fortunate to have deputies like them serving the community. Such public recognition serves not only to honor the individuals involved but also to reinforce the importance of preparedness and bravery within the broader law enforcement culture.
Beyond the immediate commendations, the incident has sparked renewed attention on the risks associated with recreational activities like paragliding, particularly in coastal environments where weather conditions can change rapidly. Authorities noted that the dense fog likely played a central role in the accident, underscoring the need for pilots to carefully monitor weather forecasts and exercise caution when conditions deteriorate. While paragliding is generally considered safe when proper protocols are followed, the Malibu rescue highlights how quickly a routine flight can turn dangerous.
The rescue also brings into focus the diverse responsibilities shouldered by sheriff’s deputies and other law enforcement officers. While often associated primarily with crime prevention and investigation, deputies are frequently called upon to respond to medical emergencies, natural disasters, and rescue operations. These situations require a broad skill set, including physical fitness, first aid knowledge, and the ability to remain calm under extreme pressure.
For Deputies Matkin and Grigoryan, the Malibu rescue will likely remain a defining moment in their careers. Yet, from the department’s perspective, it represents something more enduring: a reaffirmation of its commitment to public safety and service. The statement issued by the sheriff’s department concluded that the deputies’ decisive actions under dangerous conditions exemplify that commitment, a sentiment echoed by community members and officials alike.
As both paragliders recover from their ordeal, the focus has shifted from the immediate crisis to reflection and recognition. The images of two deputies running into the surf, knives in hand, determined to reach strangers in peril, have resonated widely. In an era where law enforcement actions are often scrutinized and debated, this incident stands as a clear example of service motivated by the fundamental goal of saving lives.