Boaters Urged to Watch for Debris, Smaller Boats Adrift After Storm

Boaters are urged to keep a sharp eye out for fast-moving debris and smaller boats such as kayaks that go adrift in the water during the upcoming rainstorm, a U.S. Coast Guard spokeswoman said today. The storm is expected to increase the speed of currents, reducing the reaction time boaters have to see debris and smaller boats that could hit theirs, spokeswoman Petty Officer 3rd Class Sarah Wilson said.

Boaters are urged to stay informed of weather conditions and currents through news channels.
Wilson asked that owners of watercraft secure each craft properly and mark it with a their name, phone number and name and phone number of another person so the Coast Guard can get in touch with someone if the boat breaks free in the storm.

Wilson said many kayak stores, for example, have waterproof tape that can be used for that purpose. The Coast Guard also has stickers for that purpose, but they have to be ordered and wouldn't get here in time for the storm.

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By Bay City News

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