The National Weather Service Office in Eureka, California is warning North Coast residents of large waves upwards of 22 feet slamming the coastline starting this morning.
The National Weather Service urges beachgoers “to avoid rocks/jetties and maintain a safe distance form the surf zone.” Simply put, “never turn your back on the ocean!”
This winter has marked at least six tragic deaths after beach-goers were swept into the Pacific Ocean:
- A Southern California educator, David Reyes Juarez, was swept into the waves of the Mendocino Headlands and died on January 2, 2021.
- Utah woman Mary Malouf was swept off the North Jetty of Humboldt Bay on December 7, 2020 later succumbing to her injuries.
- In Sonoma County, on January 5, 2021 a father drowned attempting to rescue his two young children when all three were swept out to sea.
- 12-year-old Arunay Pruthi was swept into the sea at Cowell Ranch State Beach in San Mateo County on January 18, 2021.
In the aftermath of David Reyes Jaurez’s death, we reached out to Mendocino Volunteer Fire Department who recovered Reyes and attempted life-saving efforts for safety tips to ensure their beach-goer safety during periods of large wave activity:
5 Tips for Enjoying the Water Safely
- DON”T UNDERESTIMATE THE TIDE AND IDENTIFY RIP CURRENTS
- This is especially true at the river mouth where the river and ocean meet. We have seen people of all ages struggle against tidal forces which can drag people from the protected river out to the ocean. This is even more pertinent to parents with children who are playing on inflatable devices. Look around rocks and see which direction the water is moving before entering. Keep in mind that this can change so keep reevaluating.
- HAVE A BUDDY
- Enjoying the water with a friend is always a good idea. You can look out for one another and call for help if an emergency presents itself.
- USE FLOATATION DEVICES
- The largest limiting factor for first responders is time. Although it will be a scary experience losing control, keeping one’s head above water gives first responders adequate time to respond if a rescue situation presents itself. Make your way out of the water if possible to prevent hypothermia.
- TAKE A DAY OFF AND KNOW YOUR LIMITS
- Watch the water for an extended period of time before entering. If you have any doubts as to whether or not it is a safe day to enjoy time in the water then try again later. It’s better to change your plans for one day than potentially risking your life.
- LEARN TO SWIM
- Everyone can improve their skills as a swimmer. Being a competent swimmer will help one remain calm when experiencing an unexpected situation in the water.
5 Tips on Dry Land
- KEEP AN EYE ON THE OCEAN AT ALL TIMES
- Whether one is looking at a sea star, posing for a picture, or looking back at town the risk for sneaker waves is always a possibility. Have someone who can give a warning to retreat to higher land and know that even a small swell is no reason to let one’s guard down.
- BE A SAFE BYSTANDER
- If you witness a cliff/surf rescue, first get yourself to a safe location and then call 911. Don’t become an additional victim that will strain first responders and potentially place them at further risk. Take a deep breath, try to stay calm, and look for landmarks to give to the dispatcher. Keep your eyes on the victim at all times.
- BE AWARE OF CRUMBLING SURFACES
- The Mendocino coastline features sandstone as a prominent rock-type. Overtime, rock surfaces can become less secure and footing that previously was reliable may change.
- KNOW YOUR LIMITS
- Although the rocky coast provides for prevalent tidepools that can’t be found on other coastlines, exploring these hotspots of wildlife is not for everyone. Slippery rocks covered in algae can lead to traumatic injuries and an unfortunate tumble into the water.
- IF YOU FALL IN THE WATER, STAY CALM
- Struggling upon falling in the water will only lead to exhaustion and may not increase the chances of survival. Don’t fight the waves but rather work with the ocean to make your way to a safer location. Swimming parallel towards the shore (towards the breaking waves) and letting the waves move you towards protected rocks will give you an opportunity to get out of the water and regain your strength. Getting to higher ground, even if it isn’t on the main shore, will give time for first responders to come help.
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