Fisherman Swept Away By 'Sneaker Wave' In Critical Condition: Fire Officials

SAN FRANCISCO, CA — A man was hospitalized in critical condition after being swept away by a wave while fishing along the coastline in San Francisco on Friday afternoon, officials said.

The man was fishing at Baker Beach in the Presidio around 1 p.m. when a wave snuck up on him and swept him into the ocean, according to the San Francisco Fire Department.

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Rescue crews responded to the scene and sent out swimmers to pull the man back onto shore, fire officials said.

Paramedics aided the man before taking him to a local hospital for treatment, fire officials said. The extent of his injuries was not disclosed.

Fire officials say the wave that struck the man was a "sneaker wave," a type of large wave that surges farther up on the coastline.

"They can appear without warning, even on calm days, and have the power to knock people off their feet and pull them into the ocean," fire officials said.

Fire officials recommend never turning away from the ocean, staying off wet sand and rocks, keeping kids and pets close, checking local conditions before taking part in recreational water activities and avoiding running after someone if they're swept in.

There is currently a marine layer pushing inland in Northern California along with a long-period southwest swell that will increase the risk of sneaker waves and rip currents through Tuesday morning, the National Weather Service said.