{"url_path":"/weather/alerts/2.49.0.1.840.0.d2dd2221dbc731c8099dca6dbb9df4d405769491.001.1","section_key":"alert","section_title":"Beach Hazards Statement issued May 16 at 2:19AM EDT until May 16 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Gray ME","topic":"weather","document":{"doc_type":"alert","doc_date":"2026-05-16","source_url":"https://api.weather.gov/alerts/urn%3Aoid%3A2.49.0.1.840.0.d2dd2221dbc731c8099dca6dbb9df4d405769491.001.1","accession_number":null,"cik":null,"ticker":null,"issuer_name":null,"edgar_url":null,"primary_entity_key":null,"primary_entity_name":"NWS Gray ME"},"word_count":290,"has_tables":false,"body_markdown":"# Beach Hazards Statement: Beach Hazards Statement issued May 16 at 2:19AM EDT until May 16 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Gray ME\n\n**Severity:** Moderate\n**Certainty:** Likely\n**Urgency:** Expected\n**Areas:** Coastal York; Coastal Cumberland; Sagadahoc; Lincoln; Knox; Coastal Waldo; Coastal Rockingham\n**Issued by:** NWS Gray ME\n**Sent:** 2026-05-16T02:19:00-04:00\n**Effective:** 2026-05-16T02:19:00-04:00\n**Expires:** 2026-05-16T20:00:00-04:00\n\n## Description\n* WHAT...Warm temperatures in the 70s may cause people to\nunderestimate the dangers of cold water temperatures which are\ncurrently in the mid to upper 40s.\n\n* WHERE...In Maine, Coastal York, Coastal Cumberland, Sagadahoc,\nLincoln, Knox and Coastal Waldo Counties. In New Hampshire,\nCoastal Rockingham County.\n\n* WHEN...From this morning through this evening. Warm to hot air\ntemperatures will continue through at least Tuesday.\n\n* IMPACTS...The cold water temperatures can quickly cause\nhypothermia to anyone immersed in the water. According to the US\nCoast Guard, when the water temperatures are below 50 degrees,\nthe chance of immediate incapacitation due to cold shock is\nextremely high. Anyone on boats or paddlecraft should use\nextreme caution to avoid this threat.\n\n## Instructions\nA Beach Hazards Statement is issued on days when a significant\nnumber of boats and paddlecraft are expected to be out on the\nwater and when warm air temperatures may cause people to\nunderestimate the danger of the cold water. Paddle smart from the\nstart. Always wear your life jacket. Be aware of wind conditions,\ntides, and localized currents.\n\nAll boaters and paddlers are highly encouraged to contact the\nU.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or U.S. Power Squadrons at\nwww.wow.uscgaux/i_want_a_usc/index.php to receive a FREE vessel\ncheck. This is a convenient, no consequence way to ensure your\nvessel is outfitted with all required safety equipment.\nAdditionally, please label your paddlecraft with your contact\ninformation (IF FOUND Sticker) in the event it is found adrift on\nthe water."}