Surfing Fatality

Rangers and Park Police officers responded to a call from San Francisco Fire Department of CPR in progress at Ocean Beach around 10 a.m. on January 22nd. Numerous beach-goers had seen a surfer floating in the water; several had pulled him from the water and begun resuscitation efforts. He was then transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after 11 a.m. The probable cause of death was drowning. The surf was heavy, with strong rip currents that morning. It?s not presently known whether or not the victim was an experienced swimmer or suffer. The park received heavy media attention, much of which centered on a strong safety message to the public warning them about the dangers of riptides and strong currents.