Coast Guard, San Francisco Fire Department rescue 2 hypothermic swimmers near China Beach

 

News Release

May 20, 2017 U.S. Coast Guard 11th District Pacific Southwest Contact: 11th District Public Affairs Office: (510) 437-3325 After Hours: (510) 772-8865

Coast Guard, San Francisco Fire Department rescue 2 hypothermic swimmers near China Beach

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SAUSALITO, Calif. — Coast Guard and San Francisco Fire Department personnel responded to two hypothermic swimmers in the vicinity of China Beach and Land’s End Saturday morning.

Coast Guard Station Golden Gate received notification from Coast Guard Sector San Francisco watchstanders at approximately 8 a.m., of a swimmer at China Beach who called 911 in regards to a friend he lost sight of while swimming from China Beach to the nearby rocks.

Station Golden Gate contacted San Francisco Fire Department for assistance to provide jet skis for closer access to the beach if needed, while Station Golden Gate dispatched a 47-Motor Lifeboat crew.

Once on scene, they located the missing swimmer on top of the rocks. Crewmembers from Station Golden Gate were unable to reach the swimmer, so San Francisco Fire Department sent a rescue swimmer and operator aboard a jet ski to assist the distressed swimmer and transfer him to the Coast Guard boat.

The swimmer showed signs of hyperthermia and was brought inside the cabin of the boat to provide warmth until they arrived at the Station Golden Gate pier where the man was transferred to emergency medical services personnel for transportation to a local hospital.

The Station Golden Gate watchstander requested further assistance from the San Francisco Fire Department to assist the other swimmer at China Beach who reported signs of hypothermia as well.

“We advise mariners who plan to swim out in the ocean to make sure they have means to contact emergency services and to always wear the appropriate protective equipment,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Robert Worobey, a boatswain’s mate assigned to Station Golden Gate. “Even though the air temperature is warm, it does not mean the water temperature is, so always dress appropriately for the water sport you are participating in.”

-USCG-