The Pacific Ocean is a large part of the beauty and appeal of Mendocino.
Our rugged coastline (which has passed for New England in certain movies) is
incredibly beautiful, but it can also be incredibly dangerous. When there are 25-foot waves,
all sane people know to beware. But it doesn't take a 25-foot wave to sweep you away, since
even on a calm day large waves (called
sleeper waves) can appear out of nowhere.
It's a sad fact that most people who fall from a bluff or are swept out to sea do not survive.
Here are some of the dangers of which you should be aware:
- Frigid Water: the average temperature is 52 degrees, but it does drop into the mid-forties in the winter.
Without a wet suit, it's difficult to survive for long.
- Rip Currents: these are strong, swift-moving currents moving out to sea.
To escape, swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the current.
- Watch the Tides: incoming tides can isolate rocks or sections of beach. Don't get trapped!
- Be careful on the Bluffs: the coastal bluffs are unstable, as you can see from the many slides.
Stay away from the edge, especially when the ground is wet.
- Sleeper Waves: these are groups of large waves that can happen at any time, even on the calmest of days.
Don't turn your back on the ocean! If the ground is wet when you're near the water, assume that a wave
can reach you at any time.
- Be careful when Tide Pooling: it is fun, but the rocks are very slippery and jagged. Sleeper waves can happen any time,
and the tide can isolate your area. Someone in your group must keep watch!
- Watch for Logs: waterlogged logs can be thrown out onto the beach with devastating effect.
Here are some safety tips, courtesy of the Caspar South Ocean Safety Committee:
- Never turn your back on the ocean!
- Keep children close to you at all times.
- Know the current tides.
- Expect that conditions will change rapidly.
- Stay back from the edges of bluffs and cliffs.
- Avoid slippery rocks.
- Never beachcomb, fish, kayak, or dive alone.
- Learn to swim.
- If you see someone fall into the water, call 911. Let trained professionals with proper
equipment rescue them!
