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Coast Guard Sector Long Island Sound, local response agencies team up for boating safety event
NEW HAVEN-The media is invited by the U.S. Coast Guard to talk about boating safety in preparation for the up and coming boating season at Coast Guard Sector Long Island Sound in New Haven, Conn., May 19 2009 at 10 a.m.
The Coast Guard will join representatives from the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection, the Connecticut State Police and the Coast Guard Auxiliary in a safe boating demonstration for the media at Station New Haven. Media can get underway and watch as crews demonstrate safety procedures for recreational boaters as well as safe canoe and kayak procedures, including man overboard drills, proper life jacket use and how to prepare children for getting underway.
WHO: U.S. Coast Guard Station New Haven, Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection, Connecticut State Police and the Coast Guard Auxiliary.
WHAT: Boat ride with unit personnel to talk about boating safety and demonstration of equipment and safety procedures.
WHERE: Coast Guard Sector Long Island Sound 120 Woodward Ave.
New Haven, Conn. 06512
WHEN: Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 10 a.m.
May 17-23 has been recognized as National Safe Boating Week - the traditional beginning of the recreational boating season in the nation. The campaign is sponsored by the National Safe Boating Council and provides an opportunity to spread the message of boating safety and encourage boater education. Boaters are reminded to practice safe and responsible boating, including,
* Ensuring life jackets are within reach and are always on children and weak swimmers. Life jackets can be the determining factor between life and death in many accidents.
* Completing a safe boating course; get educated on safe boating practices and equipment so you can be prepared for anything.
* Properly equipping and inspecting your vessel; get a free vessel safety inspection, and outfit your vessel with multiple signaling devices.
* Maintaining a prudent speed and respecting others on the water.
* Helping fellow boaters in distress.
* Don't mix alcohol with boating.
* Filing a float plan to tell others where you will be boating.
"As thousands of residents and visitors head out on the water to kick off the summer boating season, it's more important than ever to remember that safety comes first," said Capt. Daniel Ronan, Coast Guard Captain of the Port of Long Island Sound. "Knowing your vessel, the rules of the road and how to stay safe on the water is the first step to safe and smart boating for every season."
Children under 12 must wear a life jacket at all times unless situated within the cabin of a vessel. Each vessel must have one United States Coast Guard approved life jacket for each person on board. In nearly 80 percent of fatalities throughout the nation associated with recreational boating within the past few years, the victim was not wearing a life jacket.
In recent years, fines and penalties for boating while intoxicated have been increased and now match those of driving while intoxicated. The Connecticut state blood alcohol limit for boating while intoxicated is .08. In addition, there is a zero tolerance provision for individuals under the age of 21 that are convicted of boating while intoxicated.
The Coast Guard urges mariners to start safe boating by taking a boating safety class before going out on the water. Knowing how to properly put on a life jacket, what equipment needs to be on board a vessel and how to react in an emergency can save the lives of anyone out to enjoy the water.
For more information about boating safety and marine recreation visit http://www.uscgboating.org/.
Any interested media should contact PA3 Annie R. Berlin at 212-668-7114.
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