Rough Bars....

In light of the recent accident on the Tillamook bar....

This is a press release courtesy of the U.S. Coast Guard



The Coast Guard is reminding 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