PHILADELPHIA – The Coast Guard warns mariners and beachgoers of hazardous weather and sea conditions even as Hurricane Dorian makes its way away from the East Coast.
According to a release, beachgoers along Hurricane Dorian’s path should stay out of the water, extremely careful on the beaches, and heed all safety messages from local authorities.
Recreational and commercial mariners are advised to put safety first and operate within their vessel’s parameters and to heed weather watches, warnings, and small craft advisories.
Swimmers should stay out of the water until local lifeguards and law enforcement officials say the water is safe. Swimmers are urged to only swim at beaches with active duty lifeguards and to follow local advisories at their beach for beach closures and rip currents.
“Rip currents are a serious risk in the Mid-Atlantic. If you head to the beach, pay attention to the local beach advisories and check the weather forecast before you go,” stated Lt. Cmdr. Jeffery Prebeck, chief of enforcement for Sector Delaware Bay.
Storms increase the presence of rip currents along our coasts, which is another reason people should wear life jackets at all times. People who fall overboard from boats, overturn paddlecraft, and those just wading into the water could potentially be affected by rip currents.
“Wearing a life jacket is like wearing a seatbelt; they help save lives,” stated Capt Johnathan Theel, deputy sector commander for Sector Delaware Bay.
