Authorities say a man and a child fishing near the Golden Gate Bridge died after being swept into the ocean by large waves.

Southern Marin fire Battalion Chief Matt Barnes said the unidentified pair, possibly relatives, and a third fishermen were pulled into the frigid waters on Friday just before 5 p.m.

The trio was on a rocky coastline just northwest of the bridge at a place locals call Black Sands Beach in the Marin Headlands, which is exposed to large swells rolling in from the Pacific.

After getting thrashed by the waves, the third man managed to make it back to shore and flag down bystanders, who called 911.

Barnes did not know the relationship of the men, and said there was a language barrier which prevented an immediate interview of the survivor.

The man and boy were plucked from the water about 100 yards offshore by a Tiburon Fire Department boat, with a Coast Guard helicopter assisting.

The area is a popular spot for fishing and recreation, but signs warn of dangerous surf.

“I don't know if it was the high tide that even caused the accident,” said Randy Lavasseur, Golden Gate Nation Recreation law enforcement Dept. Chief. “We're just trying to get education out to the public: know your tides, know your limits and go out there with a good plan.”

It's not clear how long the two people were in the water.

Around the same time of the rescue, surfers on Ocean Beach talked about the rough conditions.

“A couple of people lost their boards today and had the look of fear in their face, but they made it out OK,” said Miles Jackler.

Officials said their team of lifeguards from Ocean Beach to Stinson Beach saved 70 people from the water this year.

The National Parks Service, park police and the Coast Guard will investigate what happened in this case.