Office of Public Affairs
U.S. Coast Guard Thirteenth District

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Press Release

Date: September 21, 2006
Contact: Lt. j.g. Justin Denton
541-756-9669

  COAST GUARD REMINDS BOATERS OF ROUGH BAR DANGERS

SEATTLE - The Coast Guard reminds boaters that crossing coastal bars are hazardous and mariners should heed warnings of adverse conditions before heading out.

Rough bars have been the cause of numerous boat capsizings that endanger the lives of recreational and commercial boaters.  Preventing these accidents is a constant battle for the Coast Guardsmen who patrol these bars. 

The Coast Guard monitors the conditions of many bars and broadcasts restrictions that prohibit recreational boats and small commercial passenger vessels from entering the regulated navigation area when hazardous conditions exist.

The Coast Guard reminds recreational boaters to check their rough bar warning signs located on waterways approaching a bar from inland. If a boater sees an energized amber light on a rough bar warning sign they should contact the local Coast Guard Station for bar information.  In addition, boaters should check weather and conditions prior to heading through a bar area by calling a local Coast Guard station or by listening to broadcasts on VHF channel 16. If boating in the local areas of Depoe Bay, Ore., Newport, Ore. or Winchester Bay, Ore., local bar conditions and restrictions can be heard by tuning to 1610 AM on your radio. 

Rough bar warning signs are located at the following Coast Guard stations.  Mariners can call for weather and bar conditions.

Chetco River                (541) 469-4571

Rogue River (Memorial Day to Labor Day) (541) 247-7219

Coquille River (Memorial Day to Labor Day) (541) 347-2038

Coos Bay                     (541) 888-3102

Umpqua River              (541) 271-8417

Siuslaw River                (541) 902-7792

Yaquina Bay                 (541) 265- 5511

Depoe Bay                   (541) 765- 2122

Tillamook Bay              (503) 322-3234

Nehalem River              (503) 322-3234

Columbia River             (360) 642-3565

Grays Harbor                (360) 268-0622

Quillayute River            (360) 374-6993

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