Kayaker Rescued From Frigid San Francisco Waters in Dramatic Operation
San Francisco police and fire departments collaborated in the rescue of a kayaker near the Bay Bridge.
A kayaker was rescued from the cold waters of the San Francisco Bay on Thursday afternoon in a joint operation involving the San Francisco Police Department’s Marine Unit and Drone as First Responder (DFR) Team, along with the San Francisco Fire Department.
The incident began when a 911 caller reported an overturned kayak near the San Francisco Ferry Building. While one kayaker, wearing a life jacket, had managed to reach shore safely, their companion remained in the water.
SFPD drones located the capsized kayak, and a San Francisco Fire Department boat was dispatched. Officers recovered the kayak and a paddle behind Fire Station 35. Another caller then reported hearing someone under the westernmost column of the Bay Bridge.
SFPD Marine Unit officers successfully rescued the stranded individual from the water and transferred them to the fire department’s boat. Video footage shared by SFPD captured the drone’s perspective during the rescue.
In a statement on Instagram, SFPD emphasized the importance of preparedness when venturing onto the bay, noting that conditions can change rapidly and that cold water and strong currents pose risks even to experienced paddlers. They also advised boaters to always wear a life jacket, carry a cell phone in a waterproof pouch, check weather and tidal conditions, and inform others of their itinerary.
The rescue occurred just prior to the start of the city’s Fleet Week, which began on Friday morning.