Coast Guard to Boating Public: It is Best to Wear Your Vest

Coast Guard to Boating Public: It is Best to Wear Your Vest
ST. LOUIS – Spring brings the beginning of the boating season and a reminder from the Coast Guard that boaters are significantly safer in and around the water while wearing lifejackets. Federal Law dictates that all recreational vessels must carry one wearable lifejacket for each person aboard, and any boat 16 feet and longer, with the exception of canoes and kayaks, must also carry one throwable...

Coast Guard announces summer deaths by drowning on the rise

Coast Guard announces summer deaths by drowning on the rise
PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The Coast Guard 5th District is stressing the importance of safe boating and swimming practices in the wake of 40 drowning deaths that occurred from northern New Jersey to southern North Carolina this summer. Of the 40 boating- or swimming-related deaths, 34 people were not wearing lifejackets. “Regardless of how a person ends up in the water, wearing a lifejacket is the single...

Coast Guard reminds boaters to Wear it!

 Coast Guard reminds boaters to Wear it!
NEW ORLEANS — The Coast Guard reminds boaters and all water enthusiasts to always wear their life jacket while on their boat or in the water. On this first day of National Safe Boating Week, the Coast Guard encourages all boaters to choose life jackets that fit properly and , most importantly, wear them. Every boater should know the following about life jackets: Certain life jackets are designed...

Lifejacket and quick thinking save a life in Galveston Bay

Lifejacket and quick thinking save a life in Galveston Bay
HOUSTON — A man swept from a fishing boat and into the waters of Galveston Bay was saved by a quick-thinking friend and a piece of standard safety equipment Sunday. While fishing in Galveston Bay, four men aboard a fishing boat were interrupted by a large wave that sent one of the men into the water. Another man quickly donned a life jacket and grabbed a second one for his friend before jumping...

Coast Guard reminds boaters to stay safe in wake of recent close calls

Coast Guard reminds boaters to stay safe in wake of recent close calls
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – In the wake of numerous recent emergencies on the water, the Coast Guard is reminding mariners to play it safe. “Just a few simple practices can keep most mariners out of trouble at sea,” said Capt. Gregory Case, Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg’s commanding officer. Make sure a friend or relative knows your float plan. A float plan states where you...

Coast Guard announces notice of proposed rulemaking for personal flotation device type codes

Coast Guard announces notice of proposed rulemaking for personal flotation device type codes
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Coast Guard announced Wednesday publication of a notice of proposed rulemaking to remove references to type codes in its regulations on the carriage and labeling of Coast Guard-approved personal flotation devices (PFDs). PFD type codes are unique to Coast Guard approval and are not well understood by the general public. The current PFD type code classification system is planned...

Coast Guard stresses safety after several boaters cited for lack of life jackets

CLEVELAND – The Ninth Coast Guard District is urging boaters to take the proper safety precautions after Coast Guard boarding teams escorted seven boaters back to marinas this weekend, having determined they did not have the sufficient number of life jackets onboard. To meet U.S. Coast Guard requirements, a boat must have a Coast Guard-approved type I, II, III, or V (wearable) life jacket for...

Surge in recent deaths, holiday weekend: Coast Guard urges safety

BOSTON – With the deaths of six people since Monday in Northeast waters, the Coast Guard is urging everyone on the water to be especially cautious during the upcoming holiday weekend.

“Touchdown” test can save your life

Juneau – With National Safe Boating Week 2010 in full effect, the Coast Guard is encouraging Alaska boaters to enjoy all navigable waters while taking necessary measures to ensure safety.