Crissy Field

Faces N · Bay Beach · Tidal Currents · Windsport · Cold Water

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 Crissy Field

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Golden Gate Tidal Currents

Crissy Field sits directly inside the Golden Gate. Tidal currents here run up to 4–5 knots on strong tides — faster than any person can swim. The current above shows real-time conditions. Outgoing (ebb) tide is the most dangerous for swimmers.

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Wind & Chop

The Crissy Field area is one of the windiest in San Francisco. Choppy bay conditions combined with cold water make swimming here hazardous for anyone not accustomed to open bay conditions.

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Cold Water — Year Round

San Francisco Bay and ocean water is cold year round. Hypothermia can set in quickly. Always swim with a buddy and stay close to shore.

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Boat Traffic

Crissy Field is an active area for windsurfers, kiteboarders, and recreational boats. Swimmers in the water are difficult to see, especially in fog or chop.

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