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Coast Guard Emphasizes Boating Safety For Fourth of July
SAN DIEGO - As thousands of mariners make plans to celebrate the nation's independence on the water, the Coast Guard emphasizes the hidden dangers of boating unprepared.
"The Fourth of July is a busy, exciting weekend to be on a boat, but with the increase in less-experienced mariners on the water, it's also one of the most dangerous," said Capt. Thomas H. Farris, commander of Sector San Diego. "We want San Diego boaters to do a good safety check before they leave the dock, because the consequences of being unprepared are always realized too late."
Each year on the Fourth of July, the Coast Guard receives and responds to numerous calls of boaters firing emergency flares from their vessels. While the possession of flares on your vessel is encouraged, the Coast Guard stresses flares should only be fired to indicate distress. With the increase of maritime traffic on the Fourth of July, the firing of a flare in a non-emergency situation could result in a delayed response to a legitimate maritime emergency. Firing a flare when not experiencing an emergency could also result in a Class D felony charge, six years in prison, up to $250,000 in fines and reimbursement of all costs that the Coast Guard incurs as a result of the false distress.
The Coast Guard advises the public to celebrate responsibly by ensuring children are properly wearing approved life jackets. Boaters are also reminded of the dangers of boating under the influence. Along with decreasing the operator's ability to make good judgments, it negatively affects the ability of 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 can add to an operator's impairment. Boaters found to be under the influence can face both federal and state charges with penalties of up to one year in prison and up to $100,000 in fines.
Members of the boating public must remember to always wear a life jacket, file a float plan with a friend or family member and have a working VHF-FM radio and electronic position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) on board. Doing these simple tasks could save your live or the life of your passengers.
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/.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Media requesting interviews about boating safety or increased Coast Guard patrols, please call Amanda Sardone at (619) 278-7020, or Jetta Disco at (619) 278-7023.
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