A LIFEGUARD TRUCK RAN OVER A WOMAN LYING ON A NORTHERN CALIFORNIA BEACH

She went to the beach to relax. Then a lifeguard truck ran her over.

A 20-year-old woman is in the hospital after a lifeguard driving a pickup truck struck her on a Northern California beach.

What Happened

On Wednesday afternoon, a 20-year-old woman was lying on Francis Beach in Half Moon Bay.

At the same time, a lifeguard was driving a state pickup truck across the sand. The truck ran directly over the woman.

Witnesses saw police and medics run to help the woman. She was taken to a hospital with injuries that are not life-threatening.

What the evidence shows

• The victim is a 20-year-old woman who was lying on the sand.
• The driver was a lifeguard in a state-owned patrol truck.
• The crash happened on Wednesday afternoon at Francis Beach.
• Deep tire tracks remained visible in the sand the next morning.
• Investigators say the driver may have been distracted.

The Bigger Question

Why do lifeguards need to drive heavy pickup trucks on crowded beaches?

We trust lifeguards to watch the water and save us from drowning. We do not expect them to be the ones who put our lives in danger on the sand.

The Other Side

State Parks officials say the driver may have been distracted, but they have not shared more details. The driver has not been charged with any crime yet.

What Happens Now

The local sheriff's office is still investigating the crash.

For now, people visiting the beach are left feeling uneasy about the trucks driving past their towels.

What We Still Don't Know

• What exactly distracted the lifeguard before the truck hit the woman?
• Will California State Parks change their rules about driving trucks on the sand?
• How long will it take for the young woman to recover from her injuries?