During the Mavericks contest two weekends ago San Clemente surfer Chris Ward was with his girlfriend and decided to take out his small, center console boat to access the surf at Mavericks.

Things went smooth until they tried to come back into the harbor post-session, when his boat conked out. Needing a rescue tow from the Coast Guard, Wardo and his lady boarded a Coast Guard rescue boat.

While returning to shore the Coast Guard captain began riding the swells with the Coast Guard boat. Wardo asked if this was ok, which ushered a response from the Coast Guard Captain said, "By the way, if this boat flips, hang on because we're strapped in and we'll come rescue you."

Right after that the Coast Guard boat flipped over, tossing Wardo and his girl into the icy water. Fortunately some of the jet ski crew from Mavericks saw it go down and were able to swoop in and rescue both of them.

It's rather ironic that the very same professional rescuers who "saved" Wardo and his girl, flipped their vessel after acting irresponsibly. Thank God the "reckless" big wave surfers on jet skis were on the spot to make the save.

For the full interview and more photos check out the story on Surfline.