Maxime Rancourt became stranded on a cliff after going for an early morning swim
A woman who came close to losing her life after entering the ocean has now shared details of the frightening experience, describing how she held onto a rock for over 30 minutes while hoping someone would find her.
Maxime Rancourt had started her day looking for an adrenaline boost, heading out early in the morning for a swim in the San Francisco Bay area.
What began as a routine cold plunge quickly turned into a serious situation. During her time in the water, strong waves pulled her away, and she later had to rely on emergency services to rescue her after becoming stranded near a cliff.
Reports suggest that this location is known for strong currents, with around 32 rescues taking place in the area each year.
“I was looking at the waves and said they are so beautiful. I’m a good swimmer but I don’t usually swim there,” she told ABC News.
Maxime Rancourt explained how she ‘could have died’ from her experience
Rancourt explained that everything had seemed calm and manageable before she entered the water that morning. However, within moments, the conditions changed and became much more dangerous than expected.
A strong current pulled her and her board farther out into the ocean, and the waves began to carry her away from shore.
She said the current dragged her around 15 meters from where she started, adding: “All of a sudden, I was pulled away and then I wasn’t very far yet. I thought I could still go in the water, but the water was so intense. It was the waves like this. I was stuck in the middle.”
After struggling against the waves for what felt like a long time, Rancourt finally spotted a rock near the base of a cliff and managed to pull herself toward it in an effort to stay safe.
She had no choice but to cling to a rock after being swept out to sea by the strong current
“The current was extreme. I jumped and grabbed the rock to stay there, and the water was still coming at me,” Rancourt added. “Everything went so fast. I was on the rock and started climbing from left to right and then I realized that it wasn’t a good idea, but it was the idea to save myself in the moment.”
Once she reached the rock, she held on tightly. The rock was located in Kelly’s Cove, around 70 feet below the edge of the cliff. She was wearing only a bathing suit and had no way to climb up, so she waited and hoped someone passing by would notice her.
After about 30 difficult minutes of holding on, someone finally spotted her and called emergency services, who arrived within minutes.
The San Francisco Fire Department coastal rescue team arrived at the scene quickly
When rescue teams arrived, a firefighter carefully rappelled down the cliff to reach her. Two other responders stayed at the top, holding a safety line to support the rescue effort.
Conditions in the area were tough, with strong winds and cold water measuring around 56 degrees Fahrenheit at the time she entered the ocean.
After she was safely brought back up, a video showed an emotional moment where Rancourt hugged the firefighter who helped save her.
Luckily, she made it to safety
“Thank you for saving my life,” she said with relief.
“Because of you, I’m going to have a future, and I’m going to have kids,” Rancourt added as she embraced the rescuer who pulled her to safety.
“I was told I was grateful to be alive, you know,” she said during an emotional interview with ABC News. “I could have died.”
After going through such a frightening experience, Rancourt has said she does not plan to return to the water anytime soon.
