Jakarta Aktual – 22 June 2026 | The Pacific Ocean has been unleashing its fury on the Bay Area, with sneaker waves posing a significant threat to beachgoers. These stealthy waves, also known as ‘sleeper waves,’ can catch unsuspecting individuals off guard, sweeping them out to sea without warning.
On Tuesday, a woman was fishing south of Pacifica Pier when a sneaker wave struck, dragging her 30 feet into the water. Bae Cadotte, 47, described the experience as ‘tumbling in a washing machine.’ Miraculously, she managed to resurface and was pulled to safety by fellow anglers.
However, not all have been so fortunate. Two Bay Area college students lost their lives after being swept out by waves while at Panther Beach in Santa Cruz County on June 10. More recently, a woman and her preteen child were hospitalized with critical injuries after being swept out by a sneaker wave at Baker Beach in San Francisco.
Experts warn that the high tides are responsible for inundating areas that normally don’t reach with ocean water 1¾ feet deep. National Weather Service meteorologist Anamaria Navarrete cautions that the waves will remain very high throughout the weekend and potentially longer.
Beachgoers are urged to exercise extreme caution when visiting the coastline, as sneaker waves can be deadly. ‘There are some very intense storms in the southern hemisphere,’ Navarrete explains, ‘which build up energy as they cross the Pacific Ocean, resulting in potentially deadly tides.’
With temperatures expected to warm up this weekend, beachgoers are advised to stay alert and follow safety guidelines. By understanding the risks and taking necessary precautions, residents can enjoy the coastline while minimizing the risk of encountering a sneaker wave.
The National Weather Service has issued a coastal flood advisory, which will remain in effect until further notice. Beachgoers are advised to check the latest updates and forecasts before heading out.
