SFPD's DFR program locates and rescues a stranded kite surfer near Golden Gate Bridge
When a kite surfer went missing several hundred meters offshore near the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco police launched a drone through their Drone as First Responder (DFR) program to find him. DFR pilots coordinated directly with San Francisco Fire, hovering the aircraft over the surfer to guide a rescue jet ski to his exact location. SFPD's real-time investigation center also worked with the Coast Guard to confirm a duplicate emergency call involving the same person, avoiding an unnecessary second search. The surfer was returned to shore safely and uninjured.
- [upbeat music] On August 18th, 2026,
- reports came in of a kite surfer in distress east of the Golden Gate
- Bridge. An SFPD drone as a first responder
- quickly located the surfer several hundred meters offshore, caught in a
- strong current and struggling to make it back to land while dragging a
- deflated kite. DFR pilots coordinated directly with
- San Francisco Fire and hovered the drone over the surfer,
- guiding a
- rescue jet ski to his location. SFPD's
- real-time investigation center also coordinated directly with the
- Coast Guard after a duplicate emergency call initially raised
- concerns that a second kite surfer might be in distress.
- After confirming both calls involved the same person, responders
- determined there was only one surfer in the water.
- Thankfully, the surfer was uninjured and safely returned to shore.
- This rescue highlights how technology and strong coordination
- between public safety partners can make all the difference.
- [upbeat music]
Watch Time
1 Mins 4 Secs