What is the policy for Hurricane, Tropical Storm, or Gale conditions?

• A. All boating activities are secured and reservations are canceled.
• B. Boating is allowed with life jackets only.
• C. Only motor boats are permitted.
• D. Ramps open for extended hours.

Answer: (A)

In severe weather, safety protocols suspend water activities to keep people out of harm’s way. When a hurricane, tropical storm, or gale is forecast or occurring, the policy is to secure all boating activities and cancel reservations. The reason this is the best approach is that these conditions bring high winds, heavy surf, large waves, rapidly changing currents, lightning, and poor visibility. Any on-the-water activity risks capsizing, injury, or drowning, and equipment or facilities can be damaged or rendered unsafe to use. By securing boats, locking up gear, and canceling bookings, staff prevent danger and make it clear that returns to normal operations require the weather to improve and official clearance to be given. Once conditions are safe again, operations resume and reservations can be rebooked. Other options don’t address the primary hazards of storms; life jackets help with individual safety but can’t mitigate the broader dangers, and extending ramp hours or restricting to certain boat types would still expose people to unsafe conditions.