SAN FRANCISCO—On Friday, May 29, the San Francisco Fire Department partook in a surf rescue at Baker Beach. The incident was reported at 1 p.m. along with a San Francisco Police Department boat, allied agency helicopter, and SFPD drone units, responded to Baker Beach in the Presidio for reports of a fisherman swept into the ocean.
Early 911 callers and bystanders reported that while the fisherman was along the shoreline, a sneaker wave struck without warning, sweeping the fisherman into the water and incapacitating the fisherman. 911 callers got help started quickly, facilitating a fast response and rescue.
Three rescue swimmers from SFFD Engine and Truck 14 reached the victim within minutes of dispatch, conducted an open water rescue, and brought the fisherman to shore.
Paramedic rescue swimmers and paramedics from an SFFD Medic unit continued life support measures on the beach. The fisherman was transported to a local hospital in critical condition.
A sneaker wave is a large, unexpected wave that surges much farther up the beach than normal waves. They can appear without warning, even on calm days, and have the power to knock people off their feet and pull them into the ocean.
Sneaker wave safety tips:
1. Stay off wet sand and rocks. Sneaker waves can reach much higher than you expect.
2. Never turn your back on the ocean. Watch the water at all times.
3. Keep kids and pets close. Waves can move faster than you can react.
4. If someone is swept in, don’t go in after them. Call 911 immediately and throw something that floats.
5. Check local conditions. Tides, swell, and weather can increase risk.
No additional details about the incident have been disclosed to the public.
