Summer is approaching and with the warmer weather comes increased risk to visitors along the California coast where dangerous rip currents can lead to dire circumstances if you aren’t informed. The National Park Service (NPS), the U.S. Coast Guard, the National Weather Service (NOAA), San Francisco Police Department Marine Unit, and the San Francisco Fire Department are teaming up to help educate beach goers about the common hazards on Northern California beaches. These agencies are charged with protecting the people and resources of this coastline and are coming together to give the public information to help them stay safe while on the coast.
WHAT:
PRESENTATION: High-ranking representatives from five agencies will address several issues regarding beach conditions and public safety. This includes hazards along the Northern California coast, what to do if you or your dog gets swept out to sea, and how to swim out of a rip current.
MOCK WATER RESCUE: (Weather permitting) San Francisco Fire Department water rescue team, USCG, and NPS will conduct a mock rescue of a swimmer in distress in the surf zone of Ocean Beach at Golden Gate National Recreation Area, San Francisco, California.
WHO:
Golden Gate National Recreation Area, National Park Service: Ocean Rescue Supervisor, Doug Armstrong
San Francisco Fire Department: Assistant Deputy Chief Rudy J. Castellanos
U.S. Coast Guard, Coast Guard Sector San Francisco: Capt. Tony Ceraolo, Captain of the Port
NOAA/National Weather Service: Warming Coordination Meteorologist, Brian Garcia
San Francisco Police Department Marine Unit: Marine Unit Representative
WHERE:
Ocean Beach in Golden Gate National Recreation Area, San Francisco, California Meet at Stairwell 17 on promenade by parking lot (Lincoln Ave. and Great Highway). May move to surf zone for mock rescue; surf condition may change this.
WHEN:
June 20, 10:00 a.m. hard start.
Media MUST RSVP: By email San Francisco Fire Department Media Relations Lt. Jonathan Baxter (415) 660-0545 or by email FIREPIO@sfgov.org Speaker system will be available on site.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
