A California lifeguard accidentally drove over a 20-year-old woman while patrolling a popular beach.
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The incident occurred at around 3:45 p.m. on June 24 at Francis Beach, part of Half Moon Bay State Beach.
The woman was rushed to hospital following the frightening accident.
Lifeguard Accident Leaves Woman Hospitalized
The San Mateo County Sheriff's Office responded to the Kelly Avenue area of the beach after receiving reports that a California Department of Parks and Recreation lifeguard vehicle had struck a person.
According to witnesses, the woman had been lying on the sand when the patrol vehicle drove over her.
Her identity has not been publicly released.
Gretchen Spiker, director of communications for the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office, said the lifeguard may have been distracted before the collision occurred, though the circumstances remain unclear.
The woman was transported to a local hospital with injuries that authorities said are not believed to be life-threatening.
No further details about her condition have been released.
Witnesses Recall Shocking Beach Incident
Elena Inzunza of Auburn was camping at the beach with her family when the emergency response unfolded.
"Me and my cousins, we saw cops running over to the beach," she told ABC7 Bay Area. "So we went to check it out, and a girl was buried under the sand."
Another witness described seeing first responders dig the woman out after the vehicle had come to a stop.
"We saw that they were digging out a woman who had gotten run over. It's awful that she got run over," the witness told KTVU Fox 2.
"Hopefully, everything's going to be fine. Hopefully it was just an accident."
Sheriff's deputies, Coastside Fire crews, and State Park Peace Officers all responded to the scene to assist with the rescue and investigation.
Authorities have not released any information about what the lifeguard was doing immediately before the crash, nor have they said whether the driver could face disciplinary action or receive a citation.
Francis Beach is among the most popular destinations along the San Mateo County coastline, attracting thousands of visitors during the summer months for swimming, sunbathing, picnics, and walks along the shoreline and coastal trail.
