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Public warned of dangerous sea conditions until Wednesday
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Posted on Jan 04 2021
The public is being warned of the presence of dangerous Indo-Pacific man-o-war jelly fish in beaches on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota up until Tuesday afternoon. There is also a high risk of rip currents through Wednesday afternoon, while a small craft advisory remains in effect until Tuesday afternoon.
Based on the information received from the National Weather Service in Guam and compiled at the CNMI Emergency Operations Center’s State Warning Point, a high surf advisory was in effect until 6pm last night. Hazardous surf is expected along north and west facing reefs, while a high risk of rip currents is projected along north, east, and west facing reefs through Wednesday afternoon. Indo-Pacific men-o-war are expected along northeast, east and southeast facing beaches.
These events will create dangerous swimming and surfing conditions and localized beach erosion. Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water. Contact with Indo- Pacific men-o-war, alive or dead, can cause extreme pain.
Residents of Saipan, Tinian, and Rota are advised to avoid venturing out near reef lines facing north, east and west. Large breaking waves can knock you down and cause serious injuries. Swim near a lifeguard. If caught in a rip current, relax and float. Don`t swim against the current. If able, swim in a direction following the shoreline. If unable to escape, face the shore and call or wave for help. Also stay out of the water, especially along northeast, east and southeast-facing beaches and reef lines. If men-o-war are not found along the beach, they could still be out in the water. If stung, take out the tentacles, wash the wound with vinegar and then treat with heat pack.
Meanwhile, east winds 15 to 25 knots and seas of 8 to 10 feet are projected along Marianas coastal waters until 4pm Tuesday. Conditions will be hazardous to small craft. Strong wind will make navigation difficult and large waves can capsize small craft. Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller vessels, should avoid navigating in hazardous conditions. (PR)
