Coast Guard urges maritime community to monitor weather along the Georgia and South Carolina Coast

CHARLESTON, SC. - With adverse offshore weather predicted to begin Wednesday the Coast Guard is urging the maritime community and the boating public to monitor weather conditions before deciding to go out to sea.

Hurricane conditions are expected to exist along the South Carolina and Georgia coasts over the coming days producing an elevated risk of dangerous rip currents, high surf, and rough seas. Mariners are urged to use caution and follow the progression of the storm closely.

Adverse weather effects generated by a depression, storm, or hurricane can cover an area hundreds of miles wide. Even those recreational boaters and the maritime industry who fall outside the direct path of a storm are advised to be cognizant of dangerous weather conditions and take appropriate precautions to stay safe and minimize damage.

Boaters are reminded to always wear their life jackets and file a float plan with a family member or friend. Boaters are also urged to have a working VHF radio, signaling devices and an emergency position-indicating radio beacon (EPIRB).

Here are a few tips to help mariners protect themselves, their families and their vessels:

• Do not go out to sea in a recreational boat if you know a tropical storm is approaching.

• Contact local marinas to ask for advice about securing your vessel. Marina operators are knowledgeable and can advise you on the best methods for securing your boat.

• Take action now. The effects of a tropical storm can be felt well in advance of the storm itself and can prevent the safe completion of preparations.

• Check with local authorities before entering any storm-damaged area. Do not rush to your boat. Boaters should not place themselves in danger to get to a boat.

• Do not try to reach your boat if it has been forced into the water and is surrounded by debris. Wait until authorities have made safe access available. Do not try to board a partially sunken boat; seek salvage assistance from a professional.

• Storms move quickly and are unpredictable. You can always replace a boat; you cannot replace a life.

The Coast Guard requests that the public not call Coast Guard facilities for weather information, but to listen to weather broadcasts. Important storm information can also be viewed at http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/.

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