Boaters in San Diego looking to ring in the New Year with a sail through Mission Bay Channel will have to change course, as the San Diego Fire Department has announced a temporary closure until Monday, January 1, 2024. The channel has been closed due to unusually high surf conditions, putting mariners at risk. The notice came through an X post from the SDFD stating that the closure is in effect immediately.
Mission Bay Channel closed until Mon. 1/1/24 because of high surf per the @USCGSoCal Notifications to boaters by USCG on VHF ch 16. @SDLifeguards will periodically advise boaters at the Channel. The alternate option is San Diego Bay. #cawx pic.twitter.com/AIc1aei6Sw
— SDFD (@SDFD) December 29, 2023
According to the post, the closure is being enforced in collaboration with the U.S. Coast Guard Sector San Diego, and advisories are being broadcast to boaters over VHF channel 16 – the international distress frequency. Locals and tourists should note that the alternate route is through San Diego Bay which remains open for maritime travel. In addition to the USCG notifications, San Diego Lifeguards will be stationed to advise boaters at the Channel periodically during the closure period, ensuring no one misses the warning and avoids the high surf.
The high surf poses substantial threats to nautical navigation, prompting this preemptive, necessary measure to safeguard those who might otherwise find themselves at the mercy of treacherous waters. The diligence of the USCG and lifeguards during such closures remains a critical line of defense against potential maritime accidents.
