High Surf Advisory Issued For Bay Area Beaches
SAN FRANCISCO (CBS SF) -- Mariners, surfers and beachgoers in the Bay Area were advised by the U.S. Coast Guard to use caution as high surf is expected to pass through Northern California Sunday.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration issued a high-surf advisory for the California coastline Sunday from Sonoma County in the north to Monterey County in the south.
The high-surf warning also meant that there was an increased risk for rip currents and sneaker waves on west and northwest facing beaches, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.
Mariners were advised to stay informed and abreast of changing weather conditions by monitoring storms through local radio, television and via the Internet, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.
Mariners should remember to always wear life jackets while on the water and have a working VHF marine radio aboard their vessel.
The U.S. Coast Guard was reminding mariners to file a float plan with friends, family members and local marinas before heading out on the water. The list should include the number of passengers aboard the vessel, the vessel's destination, a description of the vessel, and an expected time of return.
The U.S. Coast Guard is urging all mariners to ensure that their vessels have marine flares onboard and to check that bilge pumps are operational and that vessels are secure enough to endure heavy winds and rain.
Mariners are encouraged to check NOAA's website at www.wrh.noaa.gov/mtr/ for both current and predicted weather and water conditions. Additional boating safety information is available to the public at www.uscgboating.org.
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