A kayaker stranded in San Francisco\u2019s frigid waters got lucky after a joint-effort rescue near the Bay Bridge.<\/p>\n
The San Francisco Police Department\u2019s Marine Unit and Drone as First Responder (DFR) Team responded alongside the San Francisco Fire Department to rescue the kayaker Thursday afternoon.<\/p>\n
SFPD\u2019s Marine Unit and Fire Department rescued a kayaker in cold waters Thursday afternoon.<\/p>\n
A 911 caller reported an overturned kayak near the San Francisco Ferry Building late Thursday afternoon.<\/p>\n
Video posted on Instagram<\/a> by SFPD showed drone footage of the capsized kayak around 2:41 p.m.<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\tSign up for the California Morning Report newsletter\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThe biggest news, opinion and culture shaping California right now.\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\tThanks for signing up!\n\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n A second 911 caller reported that one kayaker, who was wearing a life jacket, had made it safely to shore. However, the boater\u2019s companion still remained in the water.<\/p>\n An SFPD drone located the overturned kayak, followed by a San Francisco Fire Department boat. Officers recovered the kayak and a paddle behind Fire Station 35.<\/p>\n One of the callers then said they could hear someone under the westernmost column of the Bay Bridge.<\/p>\n After locating the kayak in the water, a 911 caller said they could hear someone under the westernmost column of the Bay Bridge. Credit: SFPD<\/p>\n SFPD Marine Unit officers rescued the man from the water, then transferred him to the fire department\u2019s boat.<\/p>\n \u201cThis rescue is a reminder to prepare before heading out on the bay,\u201d SFPD wrote on Instagram<\/a>. \u201cConditions can change quickly, and cold water and strong currents can put even experienced paddlers at risk.\u201d<\/p>\n SFPD used the incident to remind paddlers to always wear a life jacket and carry a cell phone in a waterproof pouch. Credit: SFPD<\/p>\n SFPD also reminded paddlers to always wear a life jacket, carry a cell phone in a waterproof pouch or dry bag, check the weather, tides and currents before launching and to let others know of their trip itinerary.<\/p>\n The incident happened just one day before the city\u2019s Fleet Week weekend began Friday morning. After a busy Thursday afternoon, the SFPD Marine Unit hit the water this morning to kick off the annual celebration with the Parade of Ships.<\/p>\n Download The California Post App, follow us on social, and subscribe to our newsletters <\/p>\n California Post News: Facebook<\/a>, Instagram<\/a>, TikTok<\/a>, X<\/a>, YouTube<\/a>, WhatsApp<\/a>, LinkedIn<\/a> \t\t\t\t\t\t
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