A surfer was in critical condition at the Queen’s Medical Center after he was slashed by the skeg of his surfboard at Sunset Beach this morning.

The surfer, who appeared to be in his 30s, was apparently hit by the skeg of his surfboard at the shore break of the  beach about 11:06 a.m., a spokesman for the city Department of Emergency Services said.

Lifeguards and beachgoers assisted the man to shore and treated him until paramedics arrived.

Paramedics were able to stabilize him, treat him and transport him to a trauma center in critical condition, the EMS spokesman said.

Waves at Sunset Beach this morning were reported in the four-to-six foot range. The National Weather Service had issued a high surf advisory through this afternoon.