Safety precautions for boaters during potential central coast storm

MONTEREY, Calif. (KION-TV) — With a storm hovering over the Central Coast boat owners have to figure out ways to keep their vessels safe during strong wind and rain.

Monterey Harbor coordinator Nicole Rodriguez said there's a way to tell whether someone is experienced out in the water or not. 

“If they are asking a question if they should go out or not it sets off an alarm in our heads that they might not have the skill level needed to go out in those conditions," City of Monterey Harbor coordinator Nicole Rodriguez said.

There are several safety protocols when taking a boat out onto the water ahead of unsettled weather approaching. 

“Having a life jacket and making sure your boat is equipped is very important." Caleb Gerald from Santa Clara said. "If something happens you need to have a way to survive."

The National Weather Service issues advisories for small craft, high surf, and wind in order to help assist boaters if they decide to go out.

There are all sorts of risks when you decide to go out into the water. whether that’s without proper safety gear or being thrown overboard. to ensure you’re safe out on the water it is crucial to understand the safety measures.

“I think it really is key for them to check the forecast that’s why we provide it in our office and we get phone calls about that all the time and i think that’s key and also understanding their skill level is," Rodriguez said.

Emails are sent out to boaters on the weather forecast to remind them to check on their boats.