ALAMEDA, CA – The National Weather Service has issued a high surf advisory and hazardous weather advisory is in effect for hazardous sea conditions today through Sunday, possibly continuing through the week, with waves reaching 15 to 22 feet and high winds at 17 to 35 miles per hour with possible gale force gusts much higher.
The Coast Guard reminds all boaters and beach visitors to exercise extreme caution due to consistent high swells and strong winds throughout the weekend.
Recreational boating is not advisable for the next several days, and any boaters planning on being out on the water need to take steps to ensure their own safety and the safety of their passengers and other boaters. The following measures should be employed at all times, especially during heavy weather to minimize risk for crew and vessels:
* Wear life jackets, especially during heavy weather conditions. By law, mariners are required to carry a life vest for everyone on board. Last year nearly 700 people died in boating accidents in the United States. Of those, 420 people could have been saved had they been wearing the proper personal flotation device.
- Use marine band radios instead of commercial cell phones, which have limited coverage and are unreliable when out of sight of land.
- Inspect all emergency signaling, communications and navigation equipment to ensure good working condition prior to going underway.
- Leave a float plan with someone on shore detailing the vessel’s route and estimated departure and arrival times.
Beach visitors are reminded to avoid standing or climbing on rocks and walking near the water’s edge because of the dangerous and unpredictable force of breaking waves. Large waves can break across previously dry areas. If it is possible, avoid the beach and coastal areas until the storm system passes.
Additional boating safety information can be found at the Coast Guards Office of Boating Safety website.
Technorati Tags: Coast Guard, Beach Safety, Boating Safety
Hazardous Weather Advisory for Northern California
ALAMEDA, CA – The National Weather Service has issued a high surf advisory and hazardous weather advisory is in effect for hazardous sea conditions today through Sunday, possibly continuing through the week, with waves reaching 15 to 22 feet and high winds at 17 to 35 miles per hour with possible gale force gusts much higher.
The Coast Guard reminds all boaters and beach visitors to exercise extreme caution due to consistent high swells and strong winds throughout the weekend.
Recreational boating is not advisable for the next several days, and any boaters planning on being out on the water need to take steps to ensure their own safety and the safety of their passengers and other boaters. The following measures should be employed at all times, especially during heavy weather to minimize risk for crew and vessels:
* Wear life jackets, especially during heavy weather conditions. By law, mariners are required to carry a life vest for everyone on board. Last year nearly 700 people died in boating accidents in the United States. Of those, 420 people could have been saved had they been wearing the proper personal flotation device.
Beach visitors are reminded to avoid standing or climbing on rocks and walking near the water’s edge because of the dangerous and unpredictable force of breaking waves. Large waves can break across previously dry areas. If it is possible, avoid the beach and coastal areas until the storm system passes.
Additional boating safety information can be found at the Coast Guards Office of Boating Safety website.
Technorati Tags: Coast Guard, Beach Safety, Boating Safety