Just after 3 p.m. this afternoon, a 22-year-old man decided he would join the famous Fisherman's Wharf sea lions for a chilly swim in the bay near Pier 39. The San Francisco fire department responded to reports that the man had jumped into the water around 3:08 p.m. and quickly plucked him out of the water less than fifteen minutes later.
No word yet on whether the swimmer managed to make friends with the gentle sea mammals, but observers in the area were apparently concerned for his safety. The man appeared to be unharmed. According to Pier 39 spokeswoman Sue Muzzin, the sea lions were doing just fine, chilling out on the docks as they do.