Man in critical condition after being swept offshore by sneaker waves at Baker Beach, SFFD says

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- A fisherman who was rescued after being swept offshore by sneaker waves at Baker Beach Friday afternoon is now in the hospital in critical condition, San Francisco Fire Department said.

SFFD said crews responded at around 1 p.m. to reports at Baker Beach, which is located in the Presidio, of a man being swept into the ocean.

Officials say early 911 calls reported that while the fisherman was along the shoreline, a sneaker wave struck without warning. The man was swept into the water and incapacitated.

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Rescue crews acted immediately and were reported to have reached the man within minutes of dispatch. Paramedics performed advanced life support measures before the man was transported to a local hospital.

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.

SFFD recommends the following 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.