Sunday, March 28, 2010

Pacifica Woman Swept Out To Sea, Drowns

Mar 28, 2010 5:27 pm US/Pacific

PACIFICA (BCN) ― A 44-year-old woman died after being swept underwater by a wave at Sharp Park Beach in Pacifica Sunday afternoon, according to police.

Shortly before 1:45 p.m., Pacifica police officers and members of the North County Fire Department responded to a report of a possible drowning Arriving officers found the woman floating face down in the water about 35 feet from shore, Pacifica police said.

The victim was pulled from the water by two members of the fire department. She was taken to Seton Medical Center and pronounced dead a short time later, according to police.

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Posted by Steve Sinai

15 comments:

Steve Sinai said...

I can't remember exactly where it was, but I remember walking along a dangerous beach where they had signs showing how many people had drowned there. That really drove the point home. Maybe they should try that at Sharp Park.

Anonymous said...

Random guess, Steve -- was it at Hanakapiai Beach on the island of Kauai?

Kathleen Rogan said...

For every life lost from drowning in the ocean we need to fine Mother Nature. Ban all swimming and recreation in or near the ocean. It is too dangerous.

Sharon said...

I was out walking on Sunday just before this incident happened and some ding-dong woman ran into the surf fully clothed. Then she came out stood 5 ft away with her head down fooling around with her ipod not paying attention to the waves at all. I walked down and advised her to be careful. That beach does need better signage and maybe a camera system installed in the Chit Chat with a large loud speaker so they can warn folks would be helpful.

Product of the Pacifica School System said...

It's her parent's fault! Fine Grandmother Nature.

Kathy Meeh said...

This is serious, another person died as the result of not understanding the undertow at Rockaway beach. More signs, more comprehensive warning is needed on and around that beach as Sharon said and Steve suggested. But, in an instant what would you if you thought you might save your dog, child, or someone else?

Sharon said...

Most probably exactly what everyone else who has drowned there trying to save someone did. It's instinct but, there are plenty of folks who for some reason, unknown to me, say and do nothing. Maybe it's different for me, I've had several drownings in my family including a brother. Lots of folks saw the poor behavior going on before that Redwood City guy drowned but did nothing. Lots of folks saw that girl I described and one guy even started walking toward her but then turned away.

Kathleen Rogan said...

We need signs. People that are unfamiliar with the ocean should have some educational public notices on the beach. Also, there are rouge waves. A friend who lived eastbay who moved to HMB beachside, walking her dog close to the water when a rogue wave hit her and drug her out. Thankfully the wave tossed her into the rough sharp rocks. She was injured shaken up and alone, but alive. She said it was a day when no one was around. If she did not get spit back out, who would know what happened to her. Her dog was fine and found her in the rocks.

Steve Sinai said...

"Random guess, Steve -- was it at Hanakapiai Beach on the island of Kauai?"

I've never been to Kauai. I want to say it was around Mendocino or Ft. Bragg, but it was years ago, so I'm not really sure.

Anonymous said...

Oh well, it was just a guess.

There was a sign there that had the number of drownings cross-hatched off on a wooden sign.

It was a very effective warning.

Anonymous said...

"That beach does need better signage and maybe a camera system installed in the Chit Chat with a large loud speaker so they can warn folks would be helpful".

And who is supposed to watch this tv screen 24/7? By the time someone is in the surf it may already be too late. Signage will do nothing to help stupid people. I love my dog but I would never go in to try and save him. My family members, hell yeah but not a dog.

Kathy Meeh said...

Well, that's just you Anonymous, which may be another reason you are not identifying yourself. Remember Sharon said some people also walked away. In southern California most public beaches have lifeguards, but that doesn't happen up here. And, hey its Pacifica "no money" anyway. For those of us who do read, the city might be able to afford a couple of signs-- out of respect for two dead lives in 10 days. Maybe there's a grant available for that.

Sharon said...

"And who is supposed to watch this tv screen 24/7? By the time someone is in the surf it may already be too late. Signage will do nothing to help stupid people"
I agree it's a goofy idea but better than nothing since I know we will never have a life guard out there. If you were working the Chit Chat and standing around waiting for customers and saw an idiot on the screen like ipod woman would you pick up the mic and give a shout? You are also right on oount 2 signage will not help stupid people but again it's better than doing nothing.

Compass Case Kathy Meeh said...

It was Sharp Park Beach.

Kathy Meeh said...

You're right Compass, "Sharp Park Beach", appreciate the correction to 3/29, 10:29AM. I know the beach, just working on other stuff and oops. Again thanks.