SAN FRANCISCO – The Coast Guard urges all mariners and beachgoers to exercise heightened caution as increasingly dangerous ocean conditions are forecast along the California coastline from Point Arena to Big Sur starting today. Hazardous conditions are expected to persist throughout the week.
Multiple storms in the Pacific Ocean are expected to generate strong rip currents, sneaker waves, and breaking surf of up to 10 feet at some beaches and breakpoints.
"These storm conditions are volatile and highly dangerous," said Lt. John Corvino, a search and rescue mission coordinator with Coast Guard Sector San Francisco. "Never go out on the water or near the shoreline without checking the latest advisories. Be prepared, have a plan, and make sure appropriate life-saving gear is onboard your vessel or watercraft."
Coast Guard safety messages:
Stay clear of beaches.
Stay clear of the beach entirely until local lifeguards and law enforcement officials formally announce that water recreation is safe again. Avoid wet sand, rock walls, and jetties. Unexpected "sneaker waves" can easily pull a person into the ocean from dry land. These violent, unpredictable conditions can easily sweep away and drown even the strongest, most experienced swimmers. Monitor local weather channels and check beach conditions before traveling to the coast.
Beware of rip currents.
If caught in a rip current, do not panic and do not fight it. Swimming directly against the current will quickly exhaust even the strongest swimmers. Instead, follow these survival steps:
- Swim parallel to the shore to escape the narrow pull of the current.
- Swim back to the beach only after you are free from the current's pull.
- Float or tread water if you cannot escape, and wave or yell for help.
- What is a rip current?
Rip currents are powerful, narrow channels of fast-moving water that sweep rapidly from the shore out past the surf zone. They commonly form at low spots or breaks in near-shore sandbars and can quickly pull anyone into deep water.
Secure belongings
The Coast Guard urges all mariners to properly secure their vessels and stow all gear to prevent property loss, avoid breakaway hazards, and reduce false distress alerts during turbulent sea and weather conditions.
Stay informed
Monitor VHF radio channel 16 for all Coast Guard urgent marine safety broadcasts and check the National Weather Service website for local beach hazard statements and forecasted weather conditions.
Learn more about beach hazards:
https://www.weather.gov/safety/beachhazards
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-USCG-