Ocean safety concerns everyone who spends time near the coast, from first responders and surfers to everyday water recreators. Pillar Point Harbor is a protected harbor of refuge on the San Mateo County coast.
Regional first responders, surfers and water recreators all have a role in coastal safety. Sharing resources and practicing rescue operations are important parts of preparing for emergencies on the water.
Ocean safety training can include presentations, planning and water operations. These activities can help first responders, surfers and water recreators prepare for emergencies on the coast.
Why the Timing Matters This Year
The possibility of a strong El Niño adds urgency to coastal preparation as winter approaches.
The broader El Niño picture carries real weight. The NOAA Climate Prediction Center has described a strong-to-very-strong El Niño as likely to persist through January to March 2027. Climate scientist Daniel Swain put the odds of a wetter-than-average California winter at 90% to 95%, with the heaviest precipitation increase most likely landing in January and February, according to KQED.
That KQED report also lists potential impacts stretching well beyond rain totals: torrential downpours, flooding, temporarily elevated sea levels, severe thunderstorms and even isolated tornadoes. Separately, the Climate Prediction Center was reported by the Los Angeles Times as estimating a 75% chance that this El Niño could end up stronger than any on record dating back to 1950.
Rising Seas and Rougher Surf
Southern California ocean temperatures are about 7 to 8 degrees above average, and the eastern Pacific is record hot, the Los Angeles Times reported. Warming seawater can expand and contribute to higher sea levels, while Kelvin waves can also affect coastal water levels.
A Kelvin wave moving toward Southern California could affect coastal water levels for months, worsening flooding when it coincides with storms or high tides, per the same Los Angeles Times reporting. Forecasters have already warned of an increased drowning risk tied to larger waves and strong rip currents this season. History offers a preview of what that can look like: after the 2015-16 El Niño, shoreline retreat along the West Coast ran 76% higher than a typical winter, with wave energy up 50%.
A Harbor Built for Emergencies
Pillar Point Harbor itself is described as a protected harbor of refuge along the San Mateo County coast, operated by the San Mateo County Harbor District. Its deputy harbormasters are part of the harbor's emergency response, underscoring the value of training before the heart of winter storm season.
A separate multi-agency search-and-rescue exercise has also been held. An October Ocean Safety Summit has brought first responders and water-safety teams together.
Programs elsewhere follow a similar playbook. A two-day Ocean Safety Summit has been connected with the Big Wave Risk Assessment Group. Other ocean-safety summits have included first aid, CPR and emergency planning.
