Rescuers Tap Paddleboarder For Help Rescuing 2 People From Capsized Boat

SAN FRANCISCO, CA — Two people unable to swim were rescued from Lake Merced Sunday afternoon after their boat capsized, according to the San Francisco Fire Department.

The rescue occurred at around 4:45 p.m. when crews from Station 19 sent a rescue swimmer to locate the two people, who were on top of their capsized boat in the lake, firefighters said.

"Fortunately both had on life jackets because they weren’t able to swim," firefighters said.

The rescue swimmer teamed up with a civilian Good Samaritan who used a paddle board to help guide the two people to shore, where paramedics were waiting to complete a medical evaluation, firefighters said.

2 people were rescued in Lake Merced around 4:45 PM. SFFD crews from Station 19 who had a rescue swimmer with them located the people needing assistance who were on top of their capsized boat. With the rescue swimmer and a civilian on their paddleboard , they were able to get… pic.twitter.com/6UPEibI3mp
— SAN FRANCISCO FIRE DEPARTMENT MEDIA (@SFFDPIO) November 25, 2024