What Should Boaters Do in a Tsunami?

Byline: Ambrosia Brody MARINA DEL REY — After boaters up and down the coast of California experienced after-effects of the earthquake and tsunami that devastated Japan’s coastline in 2011, many began asking the Coast Guard how to prepare for any possible future natural disasters of this kind. Tsunamis can happen here — and knowledge of what to do in such an emergency is empowering. At a luncheon hosted by California Yacht Club, Lt. Steward Sibert, commanding officer of the Coast Guard cutter Halibut; and Lt. Sean Arumae, command duty officer for Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles-Long Beach; provided helpful information for boaters on how to stay safe during a tsunami — on and off the boat. “One of the biggest mistakes people make when a tsunami hits is to head to the harbor to check their boat,” Lt. Arumae said. “It’s a natural impulse.” But it’s important to fight the urge to run to the boat, he added. Those who go down to take photos, stay with their vessel or decide to fish off a pier are the ones who most often get hurt. “The best thing you can do when you leave for the day is to make sure you tie your vessel’s lines securely,”...