SAN FRANCISCO — Ocean Beach is a sight to behold, but officials once again are reminding people about the potentials dangers along San Francisco's shoreline.
"We have some really awesome coastline. It's beautiful," said San Francisco Fire Department Lt. Jonathan Baxter. "So don't miss it, but know before you go."
One thing to know is that as the weather may turn warmer in the summer, but the water off Ocean Beach is still dangerously cold, according to National Weather Service meteorologist Brian Garcia.
“People come out; they get into the water; they want to get their feet into the Pacific Ocean for the first time ever and it's 56 degrees out there. cold water paralysis is a real deal," said Garcia. "You go into shock, the muscles seize up."
So far this year, the San Francisco Fire Department has performed more than 65 rescues at the beach.
The department held rescue drills that included a helicopter with other agencies at the beach on Friday. Such exercises occur regularly, said Baxter.
"We not only use this as a demonstration for the public, we use it for a drill for all of our agencies to make sure that we have that communication which is essential during a rescue operation."
Swimming is discouraged at Ocean Beach, and there are no traditional lifeguards on the beach.
