Help keep America's waterways safe and secure

DATE: September 11, 2009 1:51:01 PM PDT

Coast Guard Public Affairs
Detachment Los Angeles

News Release

Date: September 10, 2009
Contact: Lt. j.g. Tyler A. Stutin
(310) 521-3610

Help keep America's waterways safe and secure

SAN PEDRO, Calif. — The public can assist the Coast Guard in keeping America’s waterways safe and secure. In light of the anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, it is important to remember that all Americans play a vital role in homeland security.

If you live, work or recreate near the waterways of the United States you can assist the Coast Guard by remaining vigilant and reporting suspicious activity.

Though waterway security has been increased greatly in recent years, with more than 372 miles of shoreline, over 74,000 square miles of water, and approximately 500,000 recreational boaters in Southern California, the Coast Guard and other law enforcement agencies cannot do the job alone. Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles-Long Beach requests your assistance in keeping our waterways safe and secure.

The America's Waterway Watch program requests the public report unusual surveillance of vessel or waterside facility operations, unattended boats near bridges, unusual diving activities, unauthorized vessels operating in restricted areas, or other suspicious activities.

Call the National Response Center at 1-877-24WATCH or radio the Coast Guard on VHF marine-band channel 16.

Use 911 or VHF marine-band radio channel 16 to report immediate dangers to life or property. For your safety, do not approach or engage anyone acting in a suspicious manner – call for help.

For more information on the America’s Waterways Watch program visit: www.americaswaterwaywatch.org.

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