Swimmers rescued near China Beach

One swimmer was rescued Saturday morning from San Francisco’s China Beach and another from some nearby rocks, officials with the United States Coast Guard said.

A Coast Guard crew was notified at about 8 a.m. about a swimmer at China Beach who called 911 to report that he lost sight of a friend while they were swimming from the beach to some nearby rocks.

A Coast Guard crew responded in a motorboat and also called the San Francisco Fire Department to ask for help to get closer to China Beach than would be possible with a boat.

Firefighters responded with jet skis and a rescue swimmer, according to Coast Guard officials.

The Coast Guard crew located the missing swimmer atop of some rocks but couldn’t reach him.

A firefighter on a jet ski and a rescue swimmer, however, were able to get to the distressed swimmer and take him to the Coast Guard’s boat, Coast Guard officials said.

On the boat, the swimmer showed signs of hypothermia. He was taken inside the cabin to get warm and then taken to a hospital once the boat got to shore.

The person who called 911 also showed signs of hypothermia and was treated by San Francisco firefighters, according to the Coast Guard.

Anyone who plans to swim in the ocean should have a way to get in touch with emergency services and always wear clothing appropriate to the conditions of the ocean, according to the Coast Guard.

Both swimmers had on shorts and only the upper-body portion of a wet suit.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Robert Worobey said in a statement:

“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.”

Bay City News

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