Pacifica woman lives to tell story after surviving sneaker wave, urges caution along coast

PACIFICA, Calif. (KGO) -- A Pacifica fisherwoman says she's "lucky to be alive" after being swept into the ocean by a sneaker wave this week during dangerous surf conditions.

Bae Cadotte was fishing along the beach south of Pacifica Pier when the unexpected wave struck.

"It felt like I was tumbling in a washing machine," Cadotte said.

The 47-year-old described the moment as happening in an instant.

"It just swallowed me," she said. "I knew at that point she came- I was going in. She's going to get me. No way I'm getting out of this."

A webcam captured the Tuesday incident, showing Cadotte being hit by the wave and pulled into the surf. Despite the chaos, she said she tried not to panic.

"So I just went with it," Cadotte said. "I didn't try to fight it- there's no point in fighting a sneaker wave."

Cadotte estimates she was dragged roughly 30 feet from shore and feared she might not survive.

"I closed my eyes, I said a prayer- God, if this is your will, I understand, but please don't let me leave my son," she said.

MORE: 2 Bay Area college students dead after being swept into ocean at Santa Cruz Co. beach

After several minutes in the water, Cadotte resurfaced. Fellow anglers nearby rushed to help, throwing a rope and pulling her back to shore.

"Thanks for risking your life to save mine," she told them afterward.

First responders arrived shortly after and transported Cadotte to Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, where she was treated for hypothermia.

She is now recovering at home.

Her close call comes during a week of hazardous coastal conditions.

MORE: Mother, daughter in critical condition after being swept into Baker Beach by waves: SFFD

A beach hazard statement has been in effect across much of the Bay Area, warning of large swells and the risk of sneaker waves.

Similar rescues have been reported in recent days.

A mother and daughter were pulled into the surf at Baker Beach in San Francisco on Thursday but were rescued.

Last week, two Bay Area college students died after being swept into the ocean in Santa Cruz.

The San Francisco Fire Department is urging beachgoers to stay alert. "Never turn your back on the ocean," the department said in a social media post.

Now recovering and spending time with her son, Cadotte hopes her experience serves as a warning. "Just be safe out there," she said. "Not a lot of people know about rip currents."