SAN FRANCISCO — The Coast Guard is urging boaters, beachgoers and others in and around the waters of San Francisco Bay to exercise caution due to heavy rains and increased wave activity over the next few days.Two storm systems will bring periods of rain and locally strong and gusty winds to the region tonight through Saturday. A coastal flood advisory is in effect Friday from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. Coastal flooding due to large wave run-up, king tides and rainfall runoff is expected in the coastal North Bay areas, the San Francisco peninsula and southern Monterey and Big Sur coastlines.An increased risk of coastal flooding is expected during high tide. California king tides are expected to occur on Friday and Saturday morning at heights of 6.6 feet.A west swell leading to increasing wave heights from 12 to 16 feet are expected to increase the risk of rip currents and sneaker waves. A high surf advisory also remains in effect from 3 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday.Mariners, beachgoers and others who plan on being on or around the water are cautioned to be aware, exercise caution and practice the following safety tips:
* Be aware of weather conditions and monitor the progress and strength of storms through local television, radio and internet. Check the current and expected weather and water conditions before heading out. Be aware that weather conditions can change quickly. * Wear life jackets while on the water. In 2014, approximately 84 percent of boating-related drowning victims were not wearing life jackets. * File a float plan with friends, family members or local marinas before heading out. The list should include the number of passengers aboard the vessel, destination and expected time of return. For a copy of a float plan, please visit http://floatplancentral.cgaux.org/download/USCGFloatPlan.pdf.
* Always have a working VHF-FM radio onboard; cell phones may not be reliable once underway.* Ensure bilge pumps are operational and vessels are secured for heavy winds and rain.* Do not boat under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances because it can impair your judgment, vision, balance and coordination. Boat motion, vibration, engine noise, sun, wind and spray can accelerate impairment.* Keep children informed of water safety. The Coast Guard encourages the boating public to educate children on water safety. For more information on boating safety for kids, visit www.boatingsidekicks.com.* Dog owners are also reminded to protect their pets from rough waves and not to attempt to rescue their dog from a surf zone. It is important to remember to keep calm and allow the dogs to swim out on their own. For more information on how to protect your pets, please visit http://www.dvidshub.net/video/279770/beach-safety-information-you-your-f... For more information on all watches, warnings and advisories currently in effect, please follow the National Weather Service advisory at http://forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.php?warnzone=CAZ006&warncounty=CAC...
* For information on rip current safety, please follow the National Weather Service at http://www.ripcurrents.noaa.gov/overview.shtml.