A group of visitors takes a tour of a Coast Guard Auxiliary small boat at Coast Guard Station Golden Gate, Sausalito, California. The Coast Guard Auxiliary organized the event to kick off the National Safe Boating Week during May 20 – May 26, 2017. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer Third Class Paul Krug.
SAUSALITO, Calif. — The Coast Guard, Coast Guard Auxiliary and the Marin County Fire Department held a water safety fair at Coast Guard Station Golden Gate in Sausalito Saturday afternoon to kick off National Safe Boating Week.
National Safe Boating week runs from Saturday through Friday and is aimed at promoting safe boating practices in an effort to reduce the number of boating accidents.
Members of the Coast Guard Auxiliary conducted vessel safety checks, paddle board safety seminars and gave away more than 50 free life jackets to attendees. Station Golden Gate and Marin County Fire Department personnel provided behind the scene tours of their rescue boats at the pier in front of Station Golden Gate.
The Coast Guard Urges mariner to always:
- Wear life jackets while on the water.
- Have a working marine-band radio aboard their vessel.
- Carry marine flares.
- Ensure bilge pumps are operational.
- Stay Informed – The public should remain aware of forecasted weather conditions and monitor progress through local television, radio and internet. Check the current and expected weather and water conditions before heading out, and be aware that weather conditions can quickly change.
- File a float plan with a family member or friend, which tells them basic information about a mariner’s trip such as where they’re going, when they expect to return and any identifying information about the boat.
For more information on boating safety, visit www.uscgboating.org.
