Boats, marine and boating trends

WASHINGTON, May 31, 2007 – The U.S. Coast Guard announced today it is re-establishing a Coastal Warning Display (Storm Flag) program at selected Coast Guard boat stations throughout the U.S to warn the public of approaching storm conditions.

Coast Guard stations participated in the National Weather Service’s official Coastal Warning Display program for over 100 years along with yacht clubs and marinas until it was discontinued in 1989. “For everyone living along the coast these storm flags serve as a visible reminder of the destruction that can be wrought by nature; especially as we head into this year’s hurricane season,” said Rear Adm. David Pekoske, assistant commandant for operations.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s “Population Trends Along the Coastal United States: 1980-2008,” the narrow coastal fringe that makes up 17 percent of the nation’s contiguous land area is home to more than half of its population. In 2003, approximately 153 million people (53 percent of the nation’s population) lived in the 673 U.S. coastal counties, an increase of 33 million people since 1980.

“Storm flags are a nautical tradition for mariners and the Coast Guard is pleased to bring back this part of our maritime heritage. However, the real message is that as the flags indicate changing weather from gale to storm to hurricane conditions, everyone, not just mariners, must tune in to National Weather Service broadcasts and start thinking what they will do to prepare for the worst. The power of nature cannot be underestimated. These nautical flags are intended to visually communicate to the American public the lesson of past hurricanes to take personal responsibility for individual safety in the face of an approaching storm,” said Capt. Jim McPherson, the Coast Guard’s chief of public affairs.

Starting June 1, selected boat stations will hoist display flags to warn of small craft advisories, gale warnings, storm warnings and hurricane warnings. Residents of coastal communities are urged to tune to National Weather Service radio broadcasts for the latest information when they observe a flag hoisted as part of this program. The flags are not intended to preclude mariners from taking necessary precautions as soon as possible to protect their vessel and crews.

Mariners are encouraged to visit www.uscg.mil/news/stormcenter/ for suggestions on how to prepare their vessels ahead of a storm.

Since 1871, the Coast Guard has responded to over 70 major storms and saved nearly 300,000 people. During Hurricane Katrina, Coast Guard helicopter and boat crews rescued over 33,000 people.

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The U.S. Coast Guard is a military, maritime, multi-mission service within the Department of Homeland Security dedicated to protecting the safety and security of America.

Source: U.S. Coast Guard