| Contact | Clayton Jolley, Operations Division Chief |
| cjolley@hmbfire.org | ||
| Phone | (650) 726-5213 | |
| Fax | (650) 726-0132 |
On Saturday April 7, 2001 at 12:30 P.M. the Half Moon Bay Fire District responded to a report of a water rescue near the new Ritz Carlton Hotel at 1 Miramontes Point Rd.
Upon arrival firefighters found sixty-one year old Sigrid Schuman of Half Moon Bay being buffeted by the surf against the rocks and ten-year-old Sarah Castillo also of Half Moon Baywith her dog on a rock shelf just above the surf.
Ms Schuman had been reported face down in the breakers and was found being supported at the face of the bluff by two golfers from the adjacent golf course. These two gentleman were instrumental in supporting her above the water and ensuring she was not pulled farther out to sea or further dashed against the rocks.
Firefighters removed Miss Castillo and her dog to safety and treated her for hypothermia and shock while a fire district water rescue swimmer was put in the water to assess Ms. Schuman and assist in her removal to safety. She was then removed to a Fire District ambulance by way of a Stokes rescue basket and a backboard by Fire District rescuers and volunteer firefighters.
Both ladies were transported to Stanford University Hospital, they had been walking down the beach when a wave came in and knocked them down, Miss Castillo was able to scramble up to the rock shelf but Ms. Schuman was dashed against the rocks suffering abrasions to her arms, legs, head and neck.
The Half Moon Bay Fire District would like to remind the public that ocean waves can be unpredictable and to use caution when on isolated beaches.
The Half Moon Bay Fire District would like to commend the actions of the two golfers for their unselfish efforts to help another in need.
Three engines a Division Chief and 5 volunteers responded to this incident for a total of 16 personnel.
04/16/2001 1030