SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — The Coast Guard advises swimmers and boaters to exercise caution throughout the weekend at beaches in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands due to the continued high surf and dangerous riptides impacting the northern region.
“Swimmers and the general public must exercise caution by staying away from shoreline rocks and jetties during periods of high surf, and be wary of undertow and riptides, even in shallow water. Doing so could save your life, or the lives of your loved ones," said Capt. Robert Warren, Sector San Juan commander.”
The Coast Guard’s primary concern is the safety of persons engaged in water activities throughout the high surf that is currently impacting the northern coasts of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
The Coast Guard Rescue Sub-Center contact number to report a distress or rescue situation in Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands is 787-289-2041, while VHF Channel 16 is the international distress frequency to report maritime emergencies.
"WARNING"
The National Weather Service has published high surf and small craft advisories for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands due to large long period northerly swells that will continue to impact the local Atlantic waters throughout Saturday. This will result in large breaking action and very dangerous rip currents along the north facing coasts of Puerto Rico, Culebra, Vieques and the northern U.S. Virgin Islands.
The Small Craft Advisory remains in effect until midnight Saturday. For the most recent updates and changes to weather advisories visit http://www.srh.noaa.gov/sju/.
A rip current is a powerful channel of water that flows quickly away from shore. They often occur at low spots or breaks in the sandbar. Any object or person caught in a rip current can be pulled out into deeper seas.
If you become caught in a rip current, do not panic. The way to escape a rip current is to swim parallel to the shore. Once you are away from the force of the rip current, begin to swim back to the beach. Do not attempt to swim directly against the current, as you can become easily exhausted, even if you are a strong swimmer.