Sneakerwave — San Francisco Peninsula Coast, California
2025-12-03 · San Francisco Peninsula Coast, California
Event narrative
A 32-year old man died after drowning off Bean Hollow State Beach in southern San Mateo County. California State Parks was informed of a possible drowning around 3:25 PM on December 3, when a woman told them that she and her husband were fishing on the rocks, when the woman went to her car and returned to find her husband gone. A bystander saw a body in the water, and Cal Fire retrieved the body and attempted lifesaving measures, which ultimately failed. The man was pronounced dead at the scene.
Wider weather episode
A 32-year old man died after drowning off Bean Hollow State Beach in southern San Mateo County. California State Parks was informed of a possible drowning around 3:25 PM on December 3, when a woman told them that she and her husband were fishing on the rocks, when the woman went to her car and returned to find her husband gone. A bystander saw a body in the water, and Cal Fire retrieved the body and attempted lifesaving measures, which ultimately failed. The man was pronounced dead at the scene. At the time of the incident, wave heights were just under 5ft with a long period swell of 14sec at the San Francisco Bar buoy and a Beach Hazards Statement was in effect.
Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1297305. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.