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Recreational Water Use Information

Recreational Water Use Information2022-05-20T09:11:45-07:00

Attention Recreational Water Users Who Utilize Baywinds Park for Access

The City, the Levee Improvements Project team, and the contractor (Shimmick) have been working together to provide accommodations for recreational water users’ access from Baywinds Park during construction.  

There will be no shoreline access beyond the beach to the San Mateo Bridge, and no special shoreline return/exit points (except for emergencies) as this section will remain an active construction area. Because of this it is crucial that recreational water users return to Baywinds Park or the beach when exiting the water. This is an important safety measure. We are asking representatives of the boarding community to encourage all new or beginning boarders to not enter the water if they cannot be certain they will be able to exit at those identified points only.

In September 2021, the contractor began work along the portion of Lakeside Drive just west of Baywinds Park, which resulted in the removal of some parking along that section of the street. 

There has been an increase in trucking and construction activity in the Phase 3 area of the project (between the Bridge and the Golf Course) as the contractor began excavation of retaining walls in the area. In addition, the contractor began work in the area west of Mariners Point in October 2021. Please note that signage was posted in both areas 30 days prior to construction taking place.

Please keep in mind that in 2022 the contractor will need to complete significant work in the area that will require further access restrictions. The contractor will provide 30- day notice prior to that work taking place. While the contractor does not have a definitive 2022 work schedule at this time, updated information will be provided as soon as it becomes available.

The Contractor has been in contact with Foster City Fire and Rescue teams regarding emergency access during project construction. There will be an access point available in the event of emergencies only, which cannot be used for recreational egress.

Frequently Asked Questions

Would it be possible to install solar powered emergency phones somewhere inside the active construction zone?2021-06-03T17:26:02-07:00

There are no solar call boxes currently onsite. This would not be feasible to maintain inside the active construction zone areas. Nor is it within the contractor’s scope of work or the project budget.

[Updated 6/3/21]

What if there is an emergency involving a recreational water user?2021-06-03T17:26:56-07:00

If there is an emergency call 911. The contractor has been in contact with Foster City Fire and Rescue teams regarding emergency access during project construction. There will be an access point available in the event of emergencies only, which cannot be used for recreational egress. The emergency gate placement will be on 3rd Ave between Foster City Blvd. and Lincoln Center Dr.

They will be placing orange flags on the access gate that will give Fire and Rescue access directly from E. 3rd Ave, should they need to perform any sort of water rescue. Fire & Rescue will have a key to that gate so they can respond to a 911 emergency call, and their dispatch can tell the responders to go to the ”Orange Gate.”

[Updated 6/3/21]

Will the Levee Improvements Project construction impact Baywinds Park in the future?2021-06-03T17:29:04-07:00

Current Baywinds access to the water via the windsurf/wing ramp to the lower launch beach and the upper launch from Baywinds will be not be impacted during 2021. However, please keep in mind that in 2022, the contractor will need to complete significant work on the trail, access points to the Bay, and wall in the area, which will require further access restrictions. The contractor will provide 30-day notice prior to that work taking place. The contractor anticipates sharing additional timing details in the first quarter of 2022, when the 2022 construction schedule is completed.

[Updated 6/3/21]

Will there be construction activity during 2021 along the trail West of Baywinds Parks (from E 3rd Ave North on the Trail parallel to Mariner’s Point Golf Center)?2021-06-03T17:30:31-07:00

The construction team intends to grind out the old path and prep it for construction. There are flood protection elements that need to be constructed adjacent to the Mariner’s Point parking lot.

Work will be taking place for flood wall construction adjacent to that area, though work will likely not take place this year. However, as with the rest of the construction schedule, timing is subject to change. Further noticing will take place once the contractor plans to begin construction in the area.

[Updated 6/3/21]

Will access be available for recreational water users?2021-06-03T17:31:58-07:00

Through the end of 2021, access to the bay will remain available for recreational water users launching and returning to the park and the beach area (near Lakeside Dr.) only. There will be no shoreline access beyond the beach to the San Mateo Bridge, and no special shoreline return/exit points (except for emergencies) as this section will remain an active construction area. Because of this it is crucial that recreational water users return to Baywinds Park or the beach when exiting the water. This is an important safety measure.

[Updated 6/3/21]

What if a kiteboarder is not be able to make it back to launch area at Baywinds Park and is blown passed Baywinds towards the San Mateo Bridge?2021-06-03T17:34:42-07:00

In general, the project team advises recreational water users to remember that the area, formerly the Bay Trail, is an active construction zone.  If you find yourself unable to surf your way back to Baywinds Park, end up beached east of the bridge and are un-injured, we recommend that you safely find your way back to Baywinds Park. If you can walk back safely while staying outside of the construction zone, you should do so. Be advised that during active construction hours, the site is dangerous and needs to be avoided. We encourage you to always be prepared in the event of an unforeseen incident.  If you are in distress and unable to self-rescue, you should call 911.

[Updated 6/3/21]

The existing windsurf/wing ramp will be replaced and the new emergency boat ramp will be built during 2022. Per the permit, the work can only take place between 6/1 and 11/30. Is it possible to do the work late in that period (mid October – end of November)?2021-06-03T17:49:30-07:00

The project team will take this request into consideration when developing the 2022 construction schedule. The contractor anticipates sharing additional timing details in the first quarter of 2022, when the 2022 construction schedule is completed.

[Updated 6/3/21]

There will be a new ramp built at the lower launch beach, north to meet the levee. Is it possible for this ramp to be built in November-December (out of season is November-February) of 2022, immediately after the completion of the windsurf/wing ramp and the new emergency ramp?2021-06-03T17:52:13-07:00

The project team will take this request into consideration when developing the 2022 construction schedule. The contractor anticipates sharing additional timing details in the first quarter of 2022, when the 2022 construction schedule is completed.

[Updated 6/3/21]

When a water user misses Baywinds and find themself between Baywinds and the bridge, can’t walk back to Baywinds via the water/mud, but can egress via a ramp to the trail, should they stay put and wait for the Fire Department, or walk back to Baywinds via the trail? Is the answer different if there is some activity in the construction zone, versus after construction hours and on weekends?2021-06-03T17:54:23-07:00

In general, the project team advises recreational water users to remember that the area, formerly the bay trail, is an active construction zone.  If you find yourself unable to surf your way back to Baywinds Park and end up beached north of the bridge and are un-injured, we recommend that you safely find your way back to Baywinds Park. If you can walk back safely while staying outside of the construction zone, you should do so. Be advised that during active construction hours, the site is dangerous and needs to be avoided. We encourage you to always be prepared in the event of an unforeseen incident.  If you are in distress and unable to self-rescue, you should call 911.

[Updated 6/3/21]

Assuming the same circumstances in the above question, there are at least 3 locations where the construction fencing is very close to the trail: parking lot East of Bayview Towers, the footbridge at Bayview Towers, and the fence between the tanks and a ramp. Is it ok to walk to the fence and place gear over the fence and then walk back to Baywinds? In some cases it is easier to walk without carrying gear. Again, is the answer different if there is activity in the construction zone versus after hours and on weekends?2021-06-03T17:56:04-07:00

In general, the project team advises recreational water users to remember that the area, formerly the bay trail, is an active construction zone.  If you find yourself unable to surf your way back to Bay Winds Park and end up beached north of the bridge and are un-injured, we recommend that you safely find your way back to Bay Winds Park. If you can walk back safely while staying outside of the construction zone, you should do so. Be advised that during active construction hours, the site is dangerous and needs to be avoided. We encourage you to always be prepared in the event of an unforeseen incident.  If you are in distress and unable to self-rescue, you should call 911.

[Updated 6/3/21]

Will San Mateo County Fire Department continue to launch rescue vehicles from the lower lunch during levee construction or will they launch from Coyote Point?2021-06-03T17:57:57-07:00

The Fire Department will launch from Coyote Point, as they currently do when there is insufficient water at Baywinds. Additional resources may be launched from South San Francisco FD and Redwood City FD.

[Updated 6/3/21]

During a water rescue and 911 and/or the Coast Guard are called, what information should the rescuee be prepared to provide?2021-06-03T17:58:44-07:00

The rescuee should be prepared to provide their location using landmarks or gps coordinates, relay information on their physical condition pertaining to any injuries they might have and report as to whether or not they are wearing a personal flotation device (PFD). They should also identify as to whether they have proper thermal protection and how many people are in the water needing rescue.

[Updated 6/3/21]

During a water rescue, it is assumed the location of the person to be rescued is asked by 911/Coast Guard. With reference to the San Mateo Bridge, would it be the clearest to say the San Francisco side or the San Jose side? If one is somewhat close to shore the location may be East, but if they are out past the high rise, the location may be North.2021-06-03T18:00:29-07:00

When giving their location in relation to the bridge it’s important that the rescuee identify their location as either San Francisco side or San Jose side of the San Mateo Bridge.

In addition, the City is working with the contractor to have colored banners installed at boat ramps to further help rescuees identify their locations. Once the colored banners are installed, a rescuee will be able to share the color(s) of the closest flag(s) to help rescue workers reach them.

[Updated 6/3/21]

When the sheet piles are installed between the San Mateo Bridge and Baywinds, and the tide is high, preventing a water user from walking back to Baywinds via the water/mud, but they can egress the water via a ramp; How will they describe their location? Need to remember that they may be first time Baywinds users, may not be familiar with the location of the ramps, and will not be able to see over the sheet piles.2021-06-03T18:02:32-07:00

The rescuee should identify their location using any available visible landmarks in their immediate proximity or distance from identifiable landmarks (i.e. “I’m located ½ mile from the San Francisco side of the San Mateo Bridge on the shore on the Baywinds park side of the bay”).

In addition, the City is working with the contractor to have colored banners installed at boat ramps to further help rescuees identify their locations. Once the colored banners are installed, a rescuee will be able to share the color(s) of the closest flag(s) to help rescue workers reach them.

[Updated 6/3/21]

What is the status of sheet pile work from the San Mateo Bridge to Baywinds?2021-07-21T12:55:52-07:00

Permanent sheet pile installation and grading on all city-owned and permitted areas are finished which means the City is one step closer to project completion and an upgraded levee wall structure (learn more). There is only one area between Baffin Street and Port Royal Park in the Phase 1 area of the project where this type of work remains to be done.

Though the permanent sheet piles have been installed and graded, there will still be other construction activities within the project area (e.g. concrete cap work) and the contractor may revisit sections of the sheet piles throughout the duration of the project. For the latest information on construction activity, residents are encouraged to subscribe to our weekly construction updates, which can also be reviewed on the News section of the website.

[ Updated 7/21/21]

When will the fence installation at the southwest portion of Baywinds (west of Mariner’s parking lot) be performed and will it impact access from the Mariners Point parking lot to the upper launch?2021-08-26T16:49:53-07:00

There will be an increase in trucking and construction activity in the Phase 3 area of the project as the contractor begins excavation of retaining walls in the area. In addition, the contractor is expecting to perform work in the area west of the Mariners Point parking lot by the beginning of October 2021. Please note that signage will be posted in the area 30 days prior to construction taking place.

[ Updated 8/26/21]

Will construction along Lakeside Drive impact parking?2021-08-26T16:51:51-07:00

The contractor will be performing work parallel to Lakeside Drive, which will impact parking space along a portion of the street. This work is anticipated to begin in late September 2021. Please see the maps below.

 

 

[Updated 8/26/21]

The Levee Project Team is working closely with community members who are affiliated with recreational water users.  We are still processing requests for information and seeking clarification with various sources including the contractor, construction management staff, emergency services, and city staff to provide you the latest and most accurate information. We appreciate your ongoing patience and cooperation and will be updating these FAQs periodically as new information becomes available.

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