A routine day of fishing in Pacifica turned into a fight against the surf yesterday when a sudden sneaker wave yanked a fisherwoman off the shoreline and dragged her into the water. Bystander and broadcast footage show rescuers racing in, hauling her back onto the sand as others shouted for help. Her name and condition were not immediately released.
Video from KTVU, posted yesterday, shows responders bringing the woman to shore and providing aid. The clip captures the moment the wave rushes up, knocks her off her footing, and the frantic scramble that follows to pull her out of the surf.
Officials warn of dangerous surf
The National Weather Service had a Beach Hazards Statement in effect for Pacific coast beaches this week, warning of an increased risk of sneaker waves and strong rip currents, according to the National Weather Service. "Sneaker waves can sweep across the shoreline without warning, pulling people into the sea from rocks, jetties and beaches," the advisory cautioned.
Not an isolated incident
The Pacifica rescue comes amid a run of hazardous surf incidents along the California coast. Rescuers pulled a fisherman from the water at Baker Beach on May 29, and regional reporting has documented other deadly and near-fatal wave events tied to the recent long-period swell, according to CBS Bay Area.
How anglers can stay safer
Officials recommend that anglers stay off rocks and jetties, never turn their back on the ocean, and fish with a partner so someone can call for help if a surprise wave hits. The City of Pacifica notes that Pacifica State Beach has no lifeguard on duty and urges visitors to check conditions before heading out, according to the City of Pacifica and the National Weather Service.
