Be Safe: Hazardous Coastal Conditions Coming Along With Storm

SAN MATEO COUNTY, CA – U.S. Coast Guard officials are urging Bay Area boaters and beachgoers to take caution while along the coast because of strong weather conditions forecasted through this weekend.

Cold temperatures, rain, high winds and heavy seas are expected to affect Bay Area beaches from Sonoma County all the way down to Monterey County, according to the Coast Guard.

The Coast Guard strongly encourages owners of small crafts such as skiffs, kayaks and paddleboards to properly secure them and mark them with identifying information in the event they break free.

Coast Guard officials encourage boaters to always have a working VHF-FM radio and lifejackets for all passengers and to file a float plan with friends, family members or a local marina before heading out on the water.

People taking their dogs to the beach should make sure to protect them from large waves and to not try to rescue the dog if it's in a surf zone, according to the Coast Guard.

If you witness an individual swept into the current, do not take your eyes off the person and do not attempt to rescue them by entering the water, call 911 immediately.

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--Bay City News contributed to this report/Morguefile image