MAYPORT, Fla. – Tropical Storm Nicole is expected to arrive along our coast in a matter of days, and members of the United States Coast Guard in Mayport are not taking any chances. They spent Tuesday morning preparing their boats, and urged local boaters to do the same.
“For the general boating public, getting ready for the storm, you want to -- if possible -- pull your boat out of the water, stay off the water, and double up on ropes attached to the pier, incorporate extra fenders so that you can prevent extra damage to your boats,” Boatswain’s Mate Second Class Chayce Faulkner told News4JAX.
The rising tides and storm surge are both a big concern, and the Coast Guard urges everyone to keep a close eye on changing conditions.
“It’s best to try and take care of your family first, but after that is completed, take care of your property and make sure that you are being as safe as possible during the storm,” added Faulkner. “If you are ever in any doubt, or you need help from the Coast Guard, just contact us on your marine radio on Channel 16.”
Coast Guard Mayport prepared its own equipment – pulling out non-essential search and rescue boats and leaving some in the water for the last second.
“It’s important to be prepared for the storm because we don’t want to damage our boats as well as still be ready for search and rescue,” Faulkner said.