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Boaters, beach goers urged to exercise caution during upcoming storms
SAN DIEGO — The U.S. Coast Guard is urging mariners and beach goers to exercise caution when venturing out during the coming week's storms, as the National Weather Service has issued a small craft advisory and marine weather statement for Southern California.
A series of storms is forecast for this week, beginning Monday morning and peaking Thursday evening. The storms are expected to produce long-period northwest swells up to 15 feet and gale force winds, resulting in rough, confused seas. There is also potential for thunderstorms and waterspouts. Boaters are urged to stay docked in harbor when these conditions are present.
The Coast Guard strongly recommends that people avoid going near beaches or other low-lying coastal areas, especially jetties and rocky areas. Large waves can quickly and unexpectedly sweep a person from these areas. Even the strongest swimmers can quickly be overtaken by the power of the sea, especially when the cold water temperatures are factored in.
Though the large waves can be an extreme sight to some, the Coast Guard, along with its partner state and local agencies, urge people to not go near these areas if at all possible. The risk to life is too great during conditions such as these.
If it is necessary to get underway, mariners are urged to check that all of their safety equipment is on board and in good condition.
There should be a personal flotation device onboard for each person, sized accordingly. If boaters will be traveling offshore, it is strongly recommended that there be an immersion suit or other full-body protection, as water temperatures will be cold, and hypothermia can quickly overtake the average person.
Mariners should check current and forecasted weather conditions prior to getting underway, and remain aware of changing conditions once on the water. The National Weather Service broadcasts weather conditions throughout the day on VHF channel WX2. The Coast Guard broadcasts weather conditions on VHF channel 22A at 9:30 a.m., noon, and 4:30 p.m.
For more information on boating safety and required and recommended safety equipment, please visit www.uscgboating.org.
For more information on weather conditions, please visit www.weather.gov.
For the National Weather Service advisories, click the following links:
Small Craft Advisory: http://forecast.weather.gov/showsigmz.php?mz=PZZ750&product1=Small+Craft+Advisory
Marine Weather Statment: http://forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.php?warnzone=PZZ750&warncounty=marine&firewxzone=&local_place1=15NM+WSW+San+Diego+CA&product1=Marine+Weather+Statement
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