HALF MOON BAY, CA – An afternoon of sunbathing turned into a terrifying ordeal on Wednesday when an on-duty lifeguard drove an official patrol vehicle over a woman resting on the sand at Francis Beach.
The Incident at Half Moon Bay
The 20-year-old victim, whose identity has not been publicly released, was lying on the sand around 3:45 p.m. when she was struck by the California State Parks patrol vehicle.
San Mateo County sheriff’s deputies, Coastside Fire crews, and State Park peace officers rushed to the scene near Kelly Avenue. First responders treated the woman directly on the sand before transporting her by ambulance to a local hospital. Fortunately, authorities state her injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.
Investigation Focuses on Distraction
While the investigation remains active, law enforcement officials are focusing heavily on driver error.
“Initial reports indicated the driver may have been distracted,” the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office confirmed in an official statement.
A Dangerous Summer on the Coast
Francis Beach is a highly popular stretch of coastline within Half Moon Bay State Beach, featuring a busy visitor center and crowded campground.
This incident adds to a troubling summer along the Northern California coast. Earlier this month on June 10, two college students tragically lost their lives at nearby Panther Beach in Santa Cruz after being swept out to sea by powerful ocean swells while napping on the shore.
