SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS RADIO) – It's been an especially cold winter in the Bay Area this year, and the weeks ahead spell more cool temperatures and even a storm or two.
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This weather can be especially challenging for boaters and others who like to be out on the water in the San Francisco Bay.
Which will likely make for a busy few months ahead for the Coast Guard.
While recreational boating isn’t necessarily as common in the winter months, these conditions are ideal for surfing.
"You get more surfers down off like, Mavericks," said Petty Officer, 3rd Class Taylor Bacon with the Coast Guard. Mavericks Beach is a popular surfing spot near Half Moon Bay.
In San Francisco, another spot that gets busy this time of year is Criss Field for windsurfing.
"That's a big concern, just because right at the mouth of the Golden Gate Bridge," said Bacon. "That brings a whole other set of challenges with weather."
During this time the sea can present a game of chance for both people engaging in recreational activities and Coast Guard personnel alike.
In San Francisco people also need to take the fog into account.
According to Petty Officer 3rd Class Matthew West, the Coast Guard gets a wide range of calls for help during the winter.
"You could be the greatest mariner in the world and find yourself in trouble," said West. "All it takes is one little mishap, something overlooked."
People daring to go out on the water right now should be prepared with wetsuits and lifejackets, and to make sure to let someone know when they should expect you back.
"That way if you were overdue, we would be aware of it sooner and we'd be able to start a search sooner," he said.
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