ALAMEDA, Calif. – The U.S. Coast Guard is teaming up with state and local law enforcement agencies in the Bay Area Delta Region for Operation Delta Blitz II, this weekend.
Delta Blitz II is the second of three inter-agency patrolling efforts aimed at decreasing the number of recreational boating accidents and fatalities in the Delta.
The Coast Guard in conjunction with the Contra Costa, Sacramento, Yolo, Solano, and San Joaquin Sheriff Departments; as well as, the California Department of Fish & Game, and the Suisun City Police Department will patrol the San Joaquin River to raise public awareness about boating laws and promote boating safety. Operation Delta Blitz II patrols will cover approximately seven nautical miles of the San Joaquin River from Acker Island to the Port of Stockton.
The Delta Region is known as a haven for thousands of California boaters, and is considered one of the state’s hot spots for water recreation, according to the California Department of Boating and Waterways. Coast Guard boating statistics show that despite the decrease in the overall number of boating-related deaths, boating accidents remain on the rise. The most common causes of these boating accidents include intoxication, reckless operation and excessive speed.
In efforts to minimize the loss of life, personal injury, property damage and environmental impact associated with the use of recreational boats and to maximize the safe use and enjoyment of the Delta by the public, boaters throughout the Delta can expect an increased law enforcement presence and on-the-water enforcement of all applicable laws and regulations.
The Coast Guard highly recommends boaters get a free vessel-safety inspection from the Coast Guard Auxiliary. The Coast Guard Auxiliary will be providing complimentary vessel examinations to the boating public on Saturday and Sunday at the Buckley Cove Marina. More information on these inspections can be found at http://www.vesselsafetycheck.org/.
Prior to taking to the water, boaters are encouraged to go to http://uscgboating.org/ for more complete information on safe boating.
