Coast Guard Warns Of Rough Seas, High Winds During Storm

OCEAN COUNTY, NJ - If you're thinking about taking your boat out, don't.

That the Coast Guard's advice to boaters in the mid-Atlantic region, as the latest storm sweeps through the Jersey coast later this afternoon into Tuesday.

A National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Weather Service predicts that seas could be 10 feet or higher and sustained winds of 30 miles per hour.

"Our primary concern is for the safety of those at sea," said Petty Officer 3rd Class Ryan Walker, an operations specialist at Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay. "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.”

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

• Do not go out to sea in a recreational boat when a storm is approaching.

• Stay up to date on the weather as conditions can change suddenly and with little warning.

• Contact local marinas to ask for advice about securing a vessel.

• Ensure boating gear is properly stowed or tied down to avoid causing unnecessary searches by the Coast Guard and other first responders. Life jackets, life rafts and small non-powered vessels are some examples of boating equipment often found adrift following severe weather.

• If mariners must go out, they should file a float plan with friends or a loved one, which states where they will be going and when they will return so search and rescue workers have a good idea of where to begin looking.

Photo credit: U.S. Coast Guard