DANA POINT, Calif. – The Coast Guard will be issuing a Local Notice to Mariners on September 6 – 7 beginning at 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. During the “Tall Ship” battle re-enactment, all mariners are reminded to maintain a sharp lookout and transit the area with caution.
With warmer than usual weather expected over the weekend, it is expected that a large number of boaters will take to the water. In addition to wearing Coast Guard approved life jackets, boaters are also urged to stay attentive and slow down. Operator inattention and excessive speed are the number one and two leading causes of boating accidents in California according to the California Department of Boating and Waterways.
Boaters are also reminded of the dangers of drinking and boating. Along with decreasing the operator’s good judgments, the consumption of alcohol also negatively affects the ability of the passengers to respond in the case of an emergency on the water. The effects of the sun, wind, waves and a boat’s motion in the water add to an operator’s impairment. Intoxicated boaters can face both federal and state charges with penalties of up to one year in prison and $100,000 in fines.
Boaters are encouraged to monitor the weather forecast and be aware of area conditions that can change quickly, especially during the summer months. The National Weather Service broadcasts marine weather forecasts regularly on VHF marine
Doing these simple tasks could save your life or the life of your passengers and increase the effectiveness of Coast Guard response in the event of an emergency. Additional information on safe and secure boating practices can be found at the Coast Guard’s Office of Boating Safety page at http://www.uscgboating.org/.
