Pending storm puts ocean rescue crews on alert

It’s an all hands on deck approach on the Monterey Peninsula for the storm this weekend. Monterey Fire is considering staffing an extra engine company for Saturday evening. But it’s not just the flooding and wind damage that’s got local agencies on alert. Monterey Fire has their 37 foot water rescue boat ready for storm surges.

“We are prepared as best as we can be, there’s always something that can catch us off guard but we have certainly taken the necessary steps to be prepared,” said Chief Gaudenz Panholzer with Monterey Fire.

Calf Fire is also beefing up their water rescue staff with their boat and jet ski ready to go. Others preparing for the storm are local boaters in the Monterey Harbor. Mike Boles says he’s taking all the necessary steps to keep his boat safe.

“Dock lines are probably primary and the most important,” said Boles, “inspect visually and redo if necessary.”

Local boaters do feel confident headed into the weekend however, especially with the city overseeing the safety of the harbor.

“They do rounds in an eight hour period, midnight to eight, they can do as many as three or four rounds, especially when the weather’s bad and heavy,” said Boles.

Local boaters also mentioned that the safety challenges continue even after storms pass because of increased swells and tides.