San Mateo County leaders urge safety while at the beach

“We want people to come to the coast and see everything that we have to offer here,” Mueller said at a press conference Tuesday. “But we also think it’s incumbent upon us, at this time, to go ahead and share that there is a hidden danger here on the coast as well.” 

Despite the predicted heat wave forecast by the National Weather Service, and subsequent Red Flag Warning indicating conditions ideal for wildfires throughout much of the Bay Area, the coastside won’t see such excessive temperatures. Cities like Half Moon Bay may see temperatures rise slightly, into the mid-60s or low 70s. 

As many will likely seek relief from the heat by visiting beaches, visitors should understand that fire danger is not the only risk, Jonathan Cox, deputy chief of the San Mateo County division of Cal Fire, said. 

“We’re also asking that when you’re seeking relief at the oceans and trying to get some cold water or some cooler temperatures, that we think about the safety when we actually do come to the coast as well.” Cox said. 

If caught in a sneaker wave, beach visitors should swim parallel to the shore to get around the tide, Mueller said. 

Though the cool water on the coast will be attractive to those looking to escape the heat, Mueller also reminded visitors who might be more unfamiliar with the area to remain aware that it can also present its own safety concerns. 

“If you’re visiting the coast, and you’re going out into the water and you do not have the proper equipment on — we’ve all been there, we all think we’re going to be really strong — please don’t spend too long in the water, you will get very tired very quickly,” Mueller said. 

Cal Fire has responded to 75 water rescues in the past three years, Cox said, and advises visitors with children to try to find a beach that has a lifeguard on duty. He also said visitors should note where they have reliable cell service in case of any emergency. 

Seasonal lifeguards are staffed at Montara, Dunes, Francis and San Gregorio state beaches, according to Cox. 

The safety initiative to “be smart, play safe, stay aware” and “don’t turn your back on the ocean” will be displayed on signs along main thoroughfares to the coastside, including Highway 1 and State Route 92, San Mateo County Sheriff Christina Corpus said. These will proactively remind visitors of safety concerns to avoid any dangerous situations. 

“Our community has lost too many precious lives to drownings,” Corpus said. “Just last year, we lost multiple children and family members along the coast. Each loss of life is one too many.”

With the holiday weekend, public safety agencies such as Cal Fire expect to see an increase in calls, from water rescues to medical emergencies, and are prepared with additional staffing. 

“We anticipate it, we prepare for it, we staff for it, and then in the moment we try to move resources to meet that demand,” Cox said. 

Although safety is the priority of local officials, Half Moon Bay Mayor Joaquin Jimenez said he welcomes all to enjoy the coast.

“Our priority is to keep you safe, to go back home safe, and to come back and visit again,” Jimenez said.