Locator Beacon Leads Coast Guard Rescuers To Stranded Kite Surfer In SF Bay

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS SF) -- The U.S. Coast Guard rescued a kite surfer Saturday in San Francisco after the victim alerted them by using a personal locator beacon, according to Coast Guard officials.

Around 4:50 p.m., Coast Guard officials received a notification from a personal locator beacon, alerting them of a person in distress near the Golden Gate Bridge, according to Coast Guard officials.

Moments later, a good Samaritan also reported a person in the water near the same location, Coast Guard officials said.

A 47-foot Motor Life Boat crew responded and arrived on scene about an hour later.

The boat crew was able to rescue the surfer. Emergency personnel evaluated the victim and determined the victim did not suffer any injuries, according to Coast Guard officials.

Coast Guard officials recommend water enthusiasts always carry safety equipment that enable them to call for help, such as a waterproof VHF radio or cellphone.

"Kite Boarders and wind surfers, like other recreational boaters and water sports enthusiasts, should be as prepared as possible to take responsibility for themselves while recreating on the water," Lt. Kim Shadwick, command duty officer with the Sector San Francisco Command Center said.

"In this case, a kite boarder was being swept out to sea and a small satellite personal locator beacon may have been the difference that saved his life," Shadwick said.

San Francisco