Rip Currents are Life Threatening; Avoid Hazardous Seas

Rip Currents are Life Threatening; Avoid Hazardous Seas

The National Weather Service (NWS), Guam Weather Forecast Office advised a large west swell and the broad monsoon winds south of Tropical Storm Krosa will continue to generate dangerous surf along west and north facing reefs through tonight and hazardous surf through Friday night. The following NWS advisories remain in effect:

 

high surf warning is in effect for Guam, Rota, Tinian, and Saipan until through tonight. A high surf advisory will then be in effect Tuesday morning through Friday night for Guam, Rota, Tinian, and Saipan. Dangerous surf of 13 to 17 feet will persist along west and north facing reefs through tonight before gradually subsiding to hazardous levels of 11 to 14 feet by Tuesday morning. Surf will remain hazardous through at least Friday. The community is advised to avoid venturing out along reefs and beaches. Huge pounding waves can knock people unconscious and cause them to drown.

 

high risk of rip currents is expected along north, west, and south facing reefs through Friday night, producing dangerous swimming conditions for swimmers and beach goers. If caught in a rip current, yell for help. Remain calm and stay afloat while waiting for help. If swimming out of a rip current, swim parallel to shore and back toward the beach when possible. Do not attempt to swim directly against a rip current. Rip currents are life threatening.

 

small craft advisory remains in effect for Guam, Rota, Tinian, and Saipan coastal waters through Tuesday night, meaning winds will produce conditions hazardous to operators of small craft. Combined seas of 11 to 14 feet will continue through tonight and winds of 15 to 25 knots will continue today. Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller vessels, should avoid sailing in these conditions.

 

The Offices of Guam Homeland Security and Civil Defense (GHS/OCD) advise residents and visitors to avoid the ocean until hazardous conditions subside. Heed the advice of lifeguards, beach patrol flags, and signs. 

 

Visit the following links for the latest information:
·           NWS Website: https://www.weather.gov/gum/
·           NWS Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NWSGuam/
·           GHS/OCD Website: https://ghs.guam.gov/
·           GHS/OCD Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GHSOCD/

For more information, contact GHS/OCD Public Information Officer Jenna G. Blas at (671) 489-2540 or via email at jenna.g.blas@ghs.guam.gov.

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