Coast Guard Safety Tips

The U.S. Coast Guard is urging Southern California boaters to always check weather forecasts before heading out and to seek shelter upon first signs of a storm.

All boats should possess life jackets, a radio or waterproofed and charged cell phone and file a float plan with family or friends ashore who can notify emergency personnel. 

Recently, a group of children kayaking off the coast of Catalina were swept more than a mile offshore as winds picked up to 45 knots. The Coast Guard rescued all the children, but some however, suffered from hypothermia.

For more information on weather, visit www.wrh.noaa.gov/lox

For information on safe boating, visit www.uscgboating.org

Float plan forms are available at, visit http://www.floatplancentral.org