Coast Guard: Keep off and out of the Water

The Coast Guard is offering up a simple message to boaters, swimmers, surfers and the inquisite storm watcher: Stay off the water and away from the beach.

The Coast Guard expects gale-force winds to hit within 72 hours, and while New York, Conneticut and Long Island ports remained opened Thursday that scenario may change dramatically in just a day or so.

“Pleasure craft are advised to seek safe harbor. Draw bridges might not be operating if sustained winds reach 25 mph or when an evacuation is in progress,” noted the alert.

In advising boat operators to stay off the water, the Coast Guard noted that its search and rescue capabilities are taxed under severe storm conditions.

“This means help could be delayed. That's why boaters should heed to weather watches, warnings and small craft advisories,” stated the advisory.

It also urged Fire Island and south shore residents to evacuate as quickly as possible if a is required.

“Coast Guard personnel and other emergency responders might not be able to evacuate those in danger during the storm,” stated the release.

Owners of large boats are urged to move vessels to inland marinas where they'll be less vulnerable to breaking free of moorings or damage. Trailerable boats should be pulled from the water and stored in a place that's not prone to flooding. 

Those keeping boats in the water are reminded to secure life rings, life jackets and small boats. These items, if not secured properly, could break free and require valuable search and rescue resources to be diverted to ensure they're not actually people in distress, noted the Coast Guard.

And while it might be tempting to visit local shore lines, the Coast Guard noted that even the best swimmers and surfers could become victims of hurricane winds and waves, especially as strong rip tides come into play.

“Swimmers should stay clear of beaches until local lifeguards and law enforcement officials say the water is safe,” stated the release, which further noted more infromatino could be found at the National Hurricane Center's website.

Boaters can monitor Hurricane Irene's progress on VHF radio channel 16. Information can also be obtained on small craft advisories and warnings on VHF radio channel 16.

For information about hurricane preparedness, visit this website.