Take Care Out There: Coastal Flood, High Surf Advisories Issued

BAY AREA, CA – Beachgoers and boaters on the Northern and Central California coast should exercise caution this weekend as hazardous weather conditions set in Friday morning, U.S. Coast Guard officials said.

The Coast Guard has issued a Coastal Flood Advisory and High Surf Advisory for Friday from 3 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Increasing southerly winds will blow in late Thursday night, followed on Friday morning by northwest swells as large as 14 to 16 feet, Coast Guard officials said.

"Boaters and beachgoers should be especially cautious on and near the water over the next several days," Danielle Couture, a search and rescue specialist at the Coast Guard Sector San Francisco Command Center, said in a statement.

"We're ready to respond if boaters and beachgoers find themselves in distress," Couture said.

Even larger swells are anticipated for Sunday, Coast Guard officials said.

Strong rip currents and large shore breaks are expected to affect all west- and northwest-facing beaches from Sonoma County to Monterey County.

Rip currents can exhaust swimmers and are usually more frequent and stronger near piers, inlets and jetties, Coast Guard officials said.

Large shore breaks can result in injury, and large wave run-ups can unexpectedly pull people into cold, turbulent waters.

Coast Guard officials recommend that all boaters and beachgoers stay informed about weather conditions, keep a working VHF-FM radio when on the water, wear a lifejacket, file a float plan with friends, family or local marinas, and educate children about water safety.

Divers should evaluate their physical condition as well as that of their equipment, never dive alone and cancel their diving plans if surf conditions are unsafe.

Boaters should not consume alcohol or drugs, and dog owners should protect their pets from rough waves, but not to attempt to rescue their dogs from a surf zone.

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--Bay City News/Morguefile image