The Coast Guard has issued a stern warning to boaters as Hurricane Irene, the first of the year for the Atlantic region, advances towards South Florida.
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Mariners strongly urged to prepare now for Hurricane Irene; Coast Guard sets port condition Whiskey in Miami, Fort Lauderdale.
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| Hurricane Irene at 6:45 a.m. 08/22/2011 [via NOAA/AP] |
The Coast Guard is warning the public of these important safety messages:
- Stay off the water. The Coast Guard’s search and rescue capabilities degrade as storm conditions strengthen. This means help could be delayed. That is why boaters should heed to weather watches, warnings and small craft advisories.
- Evacuate as necessary. If mandatory evacuations are set for an area, the public should evacuate without delay. Coast Guard personnel and other emergency responders may not be able to evacuate those in danger during the storm.
- Secure belongings. Owners of large boats are urged to move their vessels to inland marinas where they will be less vulnerable to breaking free of their moorings or damage. Trailerable boats should be pulled from the water and stored in a place that is not prone to flooding. Those who are leaving their 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.
- Stay clear of beaches. Wave heights and currents typically increase before a storm makes landfall. Even the best swimmers can fall victim to the strong waves and rip currents caused by hurricanes. Swimmers should stay clear of beaches until local lifeguards and law enforcement officials say the water is safe.
- Be prepared. Area residents should be prepared by developing a family plan, creating a disaster supply kit, having a place to go, securing their home and having a plan for pets. Information can be found at the National Hurricane Center's webpage.
- Stay informed. The public should monitor the progress and strength of Hurricane Irene through local television, radio and Internet. 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.
Be safe and keep a weather eye out, fellow mariners!
For smooth sailing and zero stress ... call SYS!™
Just a quick reminder to our readers (and Twitter followers): We will be hosting the Women's Breast Health Initiative for the Winterfest Boat Parade on December 10, 2011! Wave as we cruise by (on M/Y Freedom) decked in pink! We'll have more details soon. In the interim, please visit WBHI's website and support the cause! Thanks!
