ALAMEDA, Calif. — The Coast Guard is urging boaters and beachgoers to exercise caution in and around Northern California waters this Labor Day weekend.The days surrounding Labor Day typically see a high number of boaters, divers, surfers and beachgoers out on the water.Swimmers should be especially wary of rip currents and know how to identify and escape from them.
“The Coast Guard actively encourages safe and responsible boating and beach activities this Labor Day holiday.," said Cmdr. Olav Saboe, deputy commander, Coast Guard Sector Humboldt Bay. "We highly encourage all those who enjoy Northern Californian waters to exercise good judgment and to always have a watchful eye on the weather conditions. Beachgoers should remember that our coastal shores have potentially strong tidal currents and rip tides that can overcome even experienced swimmers."
The Coast Guard offers the following safety tips for ways to stay safe on the water:* Stay Informed - The public should 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, and be aware that weather conditions can quickly change.* Wear life jackets while on the water. In 2014, 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, vessel's destination and expected time of return.* Always have a working VHF-FM marine-band radio on board; cell phones may not reliable once underway, since they tend to experience gaps in coverage on the water, including limited battery life.
* Safety equipment should be based on the size and type of a vessel; there may be specific federal requirements for various safety equipment.* NEVER boat under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances. These affect judgment, vision, balance and coordination. Factor in boat motion, vibration, engine noise, sun, wind and spray, and impairment is accelerated.
* Keep children informed of water safety. The Coast Guard encourages the boating public to educate children on water safety. There are kid-friendly resources ready for the task!Click on the following link to review the federal requirement brochure: http://www.uscgboating.org/.Boating Safety Sidekicks for kids: www.boatingsidekicks.com
Click on the following link for more information about float plans: http://www.floatplancentral.org/download/USCGFloatPlan.pdf
For information on rip currents follow this link: http://www.ripcurrents.noaa.gov/overview.shtml