Listen to this note:
Shocked by the recent drownings of children and their families on the San Mateo County coast, officials are launching a public safety campaign to remind visitors to "be smart, play safe and stay alert."
The launch, announced at Surfer's Beach in Half Moon Bay, was timed to coincide with the busy Fourth of July holiday, which typically draws thousands of visitors to the county's 54 miles of coastline, but will continue throughout the month. of the summer.
"It's up to us to share that while the ocean can be beautiful and wonderful for cooling off, there are small waves that can take a person into the water very quickly and without warning," said Supervisor Ray Mueller, whose District Three includes the coast.
?Unfortunately, we have lost lives in these waters, so if you come to shore, keep your children a short distance away from you, remember that the water is very cold and without a wetsuit you will run out of energy quickly, don't worry. "Turn your back on the ocean and, if you get caught in a small wave, swim parallel to the shore," he added.
Visitors will see intermittent road signs along the major coastal arteries of Highway 1, which runs from Pacifica past Pescadero, and Highway 92, the primary coastal access route for visitors to the Middle Peninsula, East Bay , South Bay and beyond.
There are signs with messages like ?Be smart. Play safe. Stay alert? and ?Don't turn back into the ocean.?
?By prioritizing public safety through awareness and education, we can work together to prevent these tragedies. “Together with Supervisor Mueller, the City of Half Moon Bay, CAL FIRE and other partners, we are taking a stand to proactively inform visitors and residents to be careful,” said Sheriff Christina Corpus.
?This important safety message, 'Be smart. Play safe. Stay Alert' and 'Don't Turn Your Back on the Ocean' is simple and clear. Our commitment is unified. Be safe and be careful when visiting the coast,” he stressed.
Half Moon Bay Mayor Joaquín Jiménez called on everyone to experience the beauty that the coast has to offer, however, he stressed that ?the safety of our community members and our visitors is our top priority. We want everyone to enjoy their time, while staying safe.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drowning deaths are increasing in the United States, after decades of decline.
More than 4,500 people died from drowning each year between 2020 and 2022, 500 more per year compared to 2019.
Drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 4 in the United States, and San Mateo County is not immune.
?We have multiple hazards throughout the Bay Area, specifically here in San Mateo County. This means that not only are we imploring people to stay safe from fires in the community this week, but we are also asking everyone seeking help in the ocean to think about beach safety and be aware of all the dangers associated with the beach, including rip currents, waves and cliffs? said CALFIRE deputy director Jonathan Cox.
The public safety campaign includes the Sheriff's Office, as well as the San Mateo County Port District, City of Half Moon Bay, City of Pacifica, CALFIRE, Coastside Fire Protection District and other agencies.
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