Bill churns up surf in Southern New England

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NARRAGANSETT, R.I.—Hurricane Bill was hundreds of miles from Southern New England on Friday, but its effects were still being felt along the shore.

At Point Judith, surfers said word was getting around that the south coast of Rhode Island will be the place to be when Bill passes offshore over the weekend.

“I had phone calls from Toronto. They’re driving here for the swell,“ said Peter Pan, a surf instructor. “The crowd level is probably going to be insane. I wouldn’t worry about the waves, as much as people bumping into each other.“

U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer Nick Prescott said inexperienced surfers shouldn’t even try to go into the water.

“Even with the surfers, too, make sure if you are going to go—go with a buddy. Do the two-person system if you can,“ Prescott said.

The Coast Guard also warned boaters about venturing into high seas. They also reminded boat owners to secure their boats.