Conditions in the Santa Barbara Channel and around the islands are variable and the ocean is unforgiving. Boaters should obtain the latest weather information from a ranger or from the NOAA Weather Service by calling (805) 988-6610, visiting their web site at www.wrc.noaa.gov/ and by monitoring weather radio on VHF-FM 162.475 MHz (weather station 3) for marine forecasts and VHF-FM 162.55 MHz (weather station 1) and VHF-FM 162.40 MHz (weather station 2) for land-based observations.

Dense fog is common during the summer, but may occur at any time, making chart and compass navigation mandatory.

 Ocean water temperatures range from the lower 50s (°F) in the winter to the upper 60s (°F) in the fall. Westsuits should be worn if planning to say in the water for any length of time.

 Due to surf and swell conditions, boaters should use extreme caution when making surf-landings at any beach, especially Smugglers Cove and those beaches facing south and southeast between San Pedro Point and Sandstone Point.

Before departing, boaters, swimmers, snorkelers and divers should leave an itinerary and/or float plan with someone who is on shore and can be easily contacted. Boaters should also leave names and addresses, as well as emergency phone numbers. Plans should also include the number of boats (this includes kayaks) and boaters on the trip as well as the color, size, and type of craft used. Any survival and special emergency equipment should be listed (EPIRB, VHF, food rations, flares, etc.). The place, date, and time of departure and return should be logged as well as destination(s). This information can be invaluable for a search operation if something goes wrong.  Remember to be flexible with your plans. Weather should always determine your course of action.

When in the water at the Scorpion pier display the dive flag provided on the end of the pier to warn boaters that swimmers, snorkelers or divers are in the water. 

 Do not enter the water from the pier when boats are approaching or operating at the pier.

 Due to submerged rocks, jumping or diving from the pier is dangerous.  Use the ladders to enter and exit the water. 

 Paddlers will help insure a safe and rewarding trip for themselves if they have the following: 1) a seasoned veteran sea kayaker as a group leader; 2) equipment familiarity and ability to use it in an emergency; 3) ability to right the craft or to assist others who have capsized; 4) ability to brace the vessel in breaking seas and to deal with high winds; 5) ability to prevent, recognize, and treat hypothermia and other medical emergencies in wilderness conditions; 6) ability to read nautical charts and to plot a course; 7) a filed “Float Plan” with a responsible contact and contact this person at the beginning and end of a paddle.

 Kayak equipment checklist—experienced sea kayakers recommend the following items:

• Personal Flotation Device PFD)
• Helmet, broad-brimmed hat, sunscreen
•Adequate spray skirt, dry storage bags
•Food and fresh water with extra provisions
•First aid & repair kit
•Heavy diameter haul lines with carabiners
•Air horn/whistle/ignal mirror
•Compass, flares, knife
•Waterproof portable marine/weather radio
•Area charts (per group)
•Bilge pump/bailing device
• Spare paddle/paddle float