Man Dies Rescuing Dog from Waves at Ocean Beach (Video)

Further details surrounding the situation showed that the man was fully clothed when he dove into the surf to save the dog. It's unclear if the dog even belonged to him. He reportedly collapsed at some point. Two women were the first to attempt to rescue the man, before lifeguards and fire officials arrived on the scene and initiated chest compressions and CPR. The man was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital. As for the dog, it apparently was fine, and got out of the water on its own.

On X, the San Francisco Fire Department detailed:

“Today, the San Francisco Fire Department responded to Ocean Beach and Lawton for a reported surf rescue.

“911 Callers reported a fully clothed adult male entered the surf line to rescue a dog and, for an unknown reason, collapsed.

“Two adult females entered the surf line and affected a successful rescue of this male and called 911 while providing life-saving measures.

“Ocean Rescue arrived on the scene two minutes after dispatch and initiated CPR. San Francisco Fire Department and San Francisco Fire Paramedics arrived four minutes after dispatch, initiated advanced life support measures, and transported the adult to a local hospital in critical condition.

“We are saddened to report that this adult male succumbed to his injuries. The dog this man rescued was able to exit the water independently and is OK.”

The SF Fire Department also took this opportunity, tragic as it was, to remind people of the dangers of the ocean, and what to do if they see someone (or a dog) in trouble:

“This is an unfortunate reminder not to enter the water for humans or pets but rather, to call 911.”