Coast Guard: Keep Off and Out of the Water

The Coast Guard is offering up a simple message to boaters, swimmers, surfers and the inquisite storm watcher: Stay off the water and away from the beach.

The Coast Guard expects gale force winds could hit within 72 hours, and while New York, Conneticut and Long Island ports remained opened Thursday that scenario may change dramatically in just a day or so.

“Pleasure craft are advised to seek safe harbor. Drawbridges may not be operating if sustained winds reach 25 mph or when an evacuation is in progress,” notes the alert.

In advising boat operators to stay off the water the Coast Guard notes that its search and rescue capabilities are taxed under severe storm conditions.

“This means help could be delayed. That is why boaters should heed to weather watches, warnings and small craft advisories,” states the advisory.

It also urges Fire Island and south shore residents to evacuate as quickly as possible if a mandatory evacuation is required.

“Coast Guard personnel and other emergency responders may not be able to evacuate those in danger during the storm,” states the release.

Owners of large boats are urged to move vessels to inland marinas where they will be less vulnerable to breaking free of moorings or damage. Trailerable boats should be pulled from the water and stored in a place that is not prone to flooding. 

Those keeping boats in the water are reminded to secure life rings, lifejackets and smallboats. These items, if not secured properly, can break free and require valuable search and rescue resources to be diverted to ensure they are not actually people in distress, notes the Coast Guard.

And while it may be tempting to visit local shorelines, the Coast Guard notes that even the best swimmers and surfers can become victims of Hurrican winds and waves, especially as strong rip tides come into play.

“Swimmers should stay clear of beaches until local lifeguards and law enforcement officials say the water is safe,” states the release which notes more infromatino can be found at the National Hurricane Center's website.

Boaters can monitor its progress on VHF radio channel 16. Information can also be obtained on small craft advisories and warnings on VHF radio channel 16.

For information about hurricane preparedness visit this website.