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Coast Guard Public Affairs |
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News Release |
Date: September 3, 2009 Contact: Coast Guard |
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US Coast Guard wants boaters to be safe |
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SAN PEDRO, Calif. -- Labor Day weekend always comes with two things: an increase in recreational vessel traffic and an annual reminder by the Coast Guard for all boaters to be safe and responsible when on the water. The Coast Guard, who will be working with other federal, state and local agencies this weekend, reminds all boaters to: • Get a vessel safety check or take a boating safety course. Both are conducted by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and/or the U.S. Power Squadron, and will prepare your vessel for the boating season and educate the boat operator. Visit http://www.safetyseal.net/ for more information or to schedule your safety check. • File a "float plan" with a family member or friend who is not boating with you; and stick to the plan. This lifesaving device on paper can assist the Coast Guard with a search if you are in distress. • Wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket or personal floatation device at all times. The law requires you to have them on board; but the Coast Guard recommends you wear them at all times. The worst time to look for a life jacket is when you are already in distress. • Have a marine-band radio. If you are in distress, the Coast Guard can be reached on marine band radio channel 16: the distress channel. Use of a cell phone could provide rescuers with a false location of your distressed vessel. • Have a sound-producing or visual signal device on board your vessel. A horn, whistle, signal mirror or flare can signal rescuers that you are in distress. • Be vigilant and keep an eye out for (1) your fellow mariners and (2) anything that looks unusual on the water. "If you see something...say something." • Have a sober operator - DON'T boat under the influence. Alcohol affects judgment, vision, balance and coordination. The marine environment - motion, vibration, engine noise, sun, wind and spray - accelerates a drinker's impairment; and decreases coordination, judgment and reaction time. The Coast Guard would also like to remind boaters that extreme heat and severe weather are possible all along coastal waters. Since inclement weather is possible, it is best to be aware and be prepared. The link to the Coast Guard’s Storm Center contains information and planning tips for boaters. http://www.uscg.mil/news/stormcenter/ Additionally, to those that will not be on vessels, but in the water, the Coast Guard reminds the public to: • swim in designated areas The public is asked to take these simple precautions to continue to make this a safe holiday weekend. If media is interested in working with a Coast Guard spokesman, contact Public Affairs 310-521-4260 to arrange story ideas. ### |
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Saving Lives and Guarding the Coast Since 1790.
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