U.S. Coast Guard, ocean rescue prepares for Hurricane Hermine

WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH, NC (WWAY) — As Hurricane Hermine heads towards the coast, the U.S. Coast Guard and Ocean Rescue are warning boaters and swimmers.

The Coast Guard is preparing their station for the possibility of severe weather. Today, that means boarding up windows.
Petty Officer Jeremy Thomas said they will be taking all of their boats out of the water tomorrow. That is something they strongly advise all boat owners to do before the storm.

“If you’ve got a trailer or boat, we would recommend you pull it out and put it on it’s trailer,” Thomas said. “If it’s one of those larger vessels that you cannot trailer it, go with a heavy weather plan and double up your lines, so it’s not going to wash away from the dock.”

Ocean rescue is also warning swimmers this weekend. Wrightsville Beach Ocean Rescue Captain Jeremy Owens said they will be flying red flags all weekend advising swimmers not to go into the water. He said they have not had any rescues today, but they have noticed an increase in rip currents.

Chief Petty Officer Lane Marshburn said there is a new app out that can ensure your safety. On the app, you can fill out a few lines to let friends and family know where you will be during the storm. He said this information is critical in case of an emergency.

“When someone ashore is not prepared to report you missing, you’d be surprised at the information that they don’t know,” Marshburn said. “Sometimes, they don’t even know which ramp you pull in at, whose truck is pulling the boat, you know, they can’t even describe the vehicle, so I would suggest that you go on and get that app and utilize it.”

Chief Marshburn said you can find the app in the Itunes App store by search “Coast Guard”.  He said it is available on iPhones and Androids.