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Sneaker Waves Leave Mother and Child in Critical Condition as Coastal Rescues Rise

Long-period swells that produce sudden sneaker waves have officials warning that pier closures and displaced anglers are increasing danger along Bay Area shores.

Overview

  • A woman and her preteen daughter were pulled about 100 feet into the surf at Baker Beach and were hospitalized in critical condition after bystanders pulled them ashore on Thursday, San Francisco Fire Department officials said.
  • Earlier in the week a Pacifica fisherwoman, Bae Cadotte, was swept roughly 30 feet offshore at Sharp Park Beach, spent seven minutes in the water, and was rescued by fellow anglers before emergency crews arrived.
  • The National Weather Service has an active beach hazards statement for the Bay Area through early Sunday warning of sneaker waves and strong rip currents driven by a south‑southwest swell.
  • Pacifica Municipal Pier was closed June 4 after engineers found a widening structural crack and sinking at the entrance, and some anglers say the closure has pushed people onto riskier shoreline spots where sneaker waves can strike.
  • Fire officials praised civilian rescues but warned that would‑be rescuers can become victims, reminded the public to stay off rocks and jetties and noted several recent deadly or serious incidents across California’s coast.