Aquatic Park

Faces E · Protected Cove · Open Water Swimming · Tidal Current Risk Past Breakwater

Current Danger Level

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Tidal Data —

⚠ Data may be stale — showing last known reading. Conditions may have changed.

Current Speed

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knots

Tide Direction

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at Gate

Water Temp

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°F

Current Risk

NOAA Tidal Currents · Golden Gate (SFB1203)

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Long-Period Swell & Set Waves
Read the chart above. Any swell period above 15 seconds means danger. Waves travel in sets separated by long, quiet intervals. Do not approach the water's edge during a quiet stretch — that calm is when energy is building offshore.

Known Hazards at Aquatic Park

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Tidal Currents Past the Breakwater

Aquatic Park cove is protected and popular with open water swimmers. But the moment you swim past the breakwater, you enter the full force of Golden Gate tidal currents — up to 4–5 knots on strong tides. Swimmers have been swept out and unable to return. The current data above shows live conditions at the Gate. On outgoing tide, stay inside the breakwater.

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Cold Water Incapacitation

Bay water is cold year round. Even strong, experienced swimmers have been affected by cold water in Aquatic Park. Enter the water slowly. Never swim alone. Know the signs: gasping, inability to control breathing, sudden muscle cramping.

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Boat Traffic & Visibility

Aquatic Park has active ferry and recreational boat traffic nearby. In fog — common in summer — swimmers outside the cove are extremely difficult to see from boats.

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Deceptive Calm

The cove looks inviting and safe. This is exactly what makes it dangerous for swimmers who venture past the protected area without understanding the current conditions outside.

Before You Enter the Water

Check the tide before you swim. Outgoing tides push water hard through the Golden Gate. Swimming against a 3-4 knot current is impossible for most people. Always swim on an incoming or slack tide.

Stay inside the breakwater. The Aquatic Park cove is protected. The moment you swim past the breakwater you enter open bay current. Many swimmers have been swept out and could not return.

Never swim alone. Cold water incapacitation can happen fast. Always have someone watching from shore who knows where you are.

Know the signs of cold shock. Hypothermia can set in quickly. Enter slowly and acclimate before swimming.

Watch for boat traffic. In fog or low visibility, boat traffic in the bay is a serious hazard for swimmers who venture outside the protected cove.

If swept out: float, signal, conserve. Do not fight the current. Float on your back, signal for help, and wait for rescue. The current will not pull you under — it will carry you. Stay calm.

Ocean Emergency

911

GGNRA Dispatch · (415) 561-5505

USCG San Francisco · (415) 399-3547