Coast Guard crews are searching for a 54-year-old male who was swept out to sea near Half Moon Bay on Saturday afternoon.
The search was ongoing as of 8 p.m. Saturday, according to a social media post from the United States Coast Guard Northern California.
A 5-year-old girl, who was also swept out to sea Saturday, was rescued by San Mateo County Fire personnel. She is now in the hospital, according to the USCG NorCal post on X (former known as Twitter).
The incidents happened in the midst of a rough time for waves along the coast. On Friday, the National Weather Service issued a Beach Hazard Statement, warning beach-goers of an increased likelihood of sneaker waves along the coastline, particularly on the Peninsula, through Sunday.
As of Saturday night, the agency said that the risk of sneaker waves could run into Monday.
“Sneaker waves are potentially deadly waves that surge further up the beach than expected, overtaking the unaware,” according to the NWS. “Beach goers can be swept into the ocean.”
Coast Guard crews searching for 54-year-old male near Half Moon Bay. 5-year-old girl in hospital after being rescued by San Mateo County Fire personnel. pic.twitter.com/VJ05JjFA4p
— USCGNorCal (@USCGNorCal) November 26, 2023
The NWS warns that “inexperienced surfers and swimmers should avoid the water” while this Beach Hazard advisory is in effect. Those who attend the beach during this time should “keep pets on leash and keep kids close in sight,” adding that “unexpected waves may sweep people into the sea from rocks, jetties and beaches.”