CHARLESTON, S.C. – With Tropical Storm Beryl approaching, the Coast Guard is strongly urging boaters and swimmers to stay off and stay out of ocean waters along Georgia and South Carolina coastlines until the storm has passed and sea conditions return to normal.
Tropical storm conditions are expected to exist along the South Carolina and Georgia coasts over the coming days. Heavy seas, significant rain, and damaging winds may accompany Tropical Storm Beryl and present serious dangers to boaters. Adverse weather effects generated by a depression, storm, or hurricane can cover an area hundreds of miles wide.
Boaters should take necessary precautions to ensure their personal safety due to strong gusty winds associated with the outer weather bands of the storm. Rescue and assistance by the Coast Guard and other agencies may be degraded as Tropical Storm Beryl approaches.
The Coast Guard also reminds boaters to secure their vessel before the storm arrives. Adding additional mooring lines is highly recommended.
Boaters should also ensure that any gear above deck be properly stowed and secured. Loose gear or an unsecured boat could appear as a debris field and could trigger an unnecessary search by the Coast Guard.
The Coast Guard requests that the public not call Coast Guard facilities for weather information, but to listen to weather broadcasts. Important storm information can also be viewed via the National Hurricane Center website.