Coast Guard provides tips to boaters in preparation for Hurricane Irma

by Katherine Pyne on 8 Sep 2017 The United States Coast Guard urges everyone to monitor Hurricane Irma and make early preparations to protect themselves and their boats. Securing boats prior to landfall of a hurricane is one of the first steps to prepare. Mariners should take precautions to ensure their personal safety should a storm or hurricane approach. High seas, heavy rains and damaging winds that often accompany tropical depressions, storms and hurricanes present serious dangers to boaters out on the water.

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

- Do not go out to sea in a recreational boat if a tropical storm or hurricane is approaching.
- Contact local marinas to ask for advice about securing your vessel. Marina operators are knowledgeable and can advise you on the best methods for securing your boat.
- Take action now. The effects of a tropical storm/hurricane can be felt well in advance of the storm itself and can prevent the safe completion of preparations.
- Check with local authorities before entering any storm-damaged area. Do not rush to your boat. Boaters should not place themselves in danger to get to a boat.
- Do not try to reach your boat if it has been forced into the water and is surrounded by debris. Wait until authorities have made safe access available. Do not try to board a partially sunken boat; seek salvage assistance from a professional.
- Storms move quickly and are unpredictable. You can always replace a boat; you cannot replace a life.

Information on how to prepare your boat or trailer for a hurricane can be found here.