Coast Guard Takes Advantage Of Stormy Bay Area Weather To Train For Rescues
SAUSALITO (KPIX 5) – Just off the Marin County shore, the U.S. Coast Guard is training in some of the largest swells of the year.
And that's exactly what they're looking for, dangerous conditions that mimic real-life high stakes rescues on the high seas.
A specialized 47-foot life boat disappears behind a 20-foot wave, it's work that must be done.
"It's showing the crew how the boat handles in those conditions and also what's expected of them if we do need to conduct a rescue," said Bob Paulino of the Coast Guard.
Some waves tower even higher, and there's more of this to come during Thursday night's storm.
"There's going to be large, powerful, fast-moving waves which will make it challenging for the Coast Guard," said National Weather Service meteorologist Larry Smith.
They're practicing in the harbor as well, using full survival gear teams jump into the water. Even in their gear, the water is very cold.
The training is as realistic as possible, because these guardsmen and women know just how treacherous the real rescues can be, when seconds can make the difference between rescue and recovery.
CONTINUING STORM COVERAGE:
