Tampa Bay Coast Guard Crews Rescue 7 People In 12 Hours

TAMPA, FL — After responding to four different search-and-rescue calls, resulting in seven people being pulled from waters along Florida’s west coast on Tuesday alone, the U.S. Coast Guard is adding its voice to the chorus. The agency is warning boaters and swimmers that conditions are hazardous as winds continue to blow up to 25 knots with seas up to 6 feet in Tampa Bay area coastal waters.

"Due to multiple factors, including weather, Coast Guard crews have assisted 18 lives, seven of whom were pulled out of the water in the last 12 hours," Cmdr. Randall Brown, deputy commander of Sector St. Petersburg, said in a Tuesday afternoon statement. "Working closely with partner agencies we were able to assist and ensure these people made it home to their loved ones."

See also: Perilous Conditions Persist On Tampa Bay Area Waters

Forecasters at the National Weather Service in Ruskin have issued an advisory to small boat operators through Wednesday morning at least. Swimmers are also warned that rip current risks are high in coastal areas throughout the Tampa Bay area.

"Our primary concern is for the safety of those on the water," said Brown. "One of the most important decisions you can make as a mariner is to understand the current and forecasted weather conditions. There are times it may just be best to stay off the water. If you are out in these conditions your preparations and equipment may just save your life."

See also: 3 People Rescued After Boat Capsizes In St. Pete

To avoid needing a save, the coast guard is urging boaters to check local marine forecasts before heading out. It’s also important for boaters to have working communication equipment on their vessels, such as VHF-FM radios. Cellphones make good backups, the coast guard said, but warns they can be unreliable. In addition, the guard offers these safety tips:

• Make sure to file a float plan with friends or family members that includes where a boat will be going, who will be on it and estimated times of arrival.
• Wear life jackets even in fair weather conditions since it may be impossible to don one in the middle of an emergency

Photo courtesy of the U.S. Coast Guard