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Coast Guard kicks off safe boating week, holiday weekend

By COAST GUARD - | May 26, 2021

The U.S. Coast Guard reminds boaters to be safe on the water during National Safe Boating Week and Memorial weekend, which runs May 21-30. Crews, along with local and state law enforcement agencies, will be patrolling, conducting safety checks and ensuring mariners are staying safe.

Before leaving the dock, review the following boating safety tips:

– Always wear a life jacket. Ensure there are enough life jackets for every person on the boat. It is recommended children under 12-years-old should wear one when out on the open deck.

– Boat sober. It is illegal to operate a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs in every state. Penalties for violating BUI/BWI laws can include large fines, suspension or revocation of boat operator privileges and jail terms.

– Have a float plan. A float plan should be given to a friend or family member and includes where you are going, when you will be back, a description of your boat and other passengers. If you change plans mid-voyage, let someone know.

– Have a marine radio. A VHF-FM radio set to channel 16 is the best method of communication while on the water. Although cell phones are a good backup, they can be unreliable due to gaps in coverage area or a dead battery.

– Ask the captain. Before you get underway on a charter, or even pay for the trip, ask the captain to see their merchant mariner credentials. If the Coast Guard terminates the voyage, there is no guarantee your money will be refunded.

– Check the weather. Check the weather for storms, tides, currents and winds. Make sure you know the weather limitation of your vessel and paddlecraft.

– Dive safely. Always use a dive flag with swimmers in the water. Boaters and personal watercraft users should look for dive flags to observe maximum safety precautions. Use GPS tracking for currents and drift.

– Have an EPIRB. Always go out with an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon. An EPIRB is a device designed to transmit a distress signal to emergency responders through a satellite system. Make sure the registration is updated.