|
|
| News Release |
Date: Oct. 3, 2007 Contact: PAC Dana Warr |
|
Columbus Day Weekend Safety, Security Enforcement
MIAMI - Media are invited to Coast Guard Integrated Support Command Miami for a Columbus Day weekend press briefing with members of the Coast Guard, National Park Service, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and the Miami-Dade Police Department, Thursday at 10 a.m. to stress boating safety and personal responsibility during the busy holiday weekend. In light of the numerous boating accidents and fatalities that have occurred in South Florida over the past few weeks, and to ensure the safety of the boating public, a unified command of law enforcement officers from the NPS, Coast Guard, FWC and MDPD will be patrolling the waters and conducting safety and boating-under-the-influence checks throughout the Columbus Day weekend. "We're stressing to boaters that when boating on Biscayne Bay, they are in a National Park and that priorities for the weekend include protecting life, property and park resources," said Mark Lewis, NPS superintendent at Biscayne National Park. "Everyone is reminded that they should be on heightened alert when on the water throughout the weekend - acting responsibly and defensively can save lives." "Boaters are responsible for the safety of their passengers, for driving sober, for obeying all maritime laws and regulations, and for any damages they cause to other vessels," said Lt. John Corbett, commanding officer of Coast Guard Station Miami Beach, Fla. "When you take passengers and cast off your lines, you become ultimately responsible for the safety of everyone aboard." Numerous arrests and incidents have occurred over previous Columbus Day weekends. Two individuals lost their lives in tragic accidents in 2006 and three others were killed in 2002."All the fatalities and the majority of the boating accidents that occur over recent Columbus Day weekends have occurred after sunset. It is best to remain on your boat in the designated anchorage after dark. Getting in the water or attempting to motor around after sunset is extremely dangerous," said Jorge Pino, public information officer for FWC. Special regulations that will be in place Friday through Monday to protect boaters and the environment:
Through marked and unmarked law enforcement patrols and boater cooperation, this year's Columbus Day weekend can be safe and still be fun. Here are a few safety tips to remember before you head out this weekend: 1. You are responsible for your own safety. Boating safety is about more than just equipment. It's about behavior and responsibility. Know the restricted areas - for details, visit http://www.nps.gov/bisc/ColumbusDay.htm. 2. Don't drink and boat. Be responsible with drinks aboard, make sure you designate a "sober skipper" before things get out of hand. 3. Remain anchored and on your vessel, particularly after dark. While no official curfew will be in place for the weekend, it is in your best interest to "stay parked after dark". 4. Carry and check your safety gear to be sure it works. Always file a float plan with a friend or a marina, remember to wear your lifejackets, make sure you have flares and a working VHF-FM marine radio on board. A float plan form can be found at http://www.d7publicaffairs.com/. 5. Avoid groundings and know where you are going. Have navigational charts on board and learn to read them before you head out on the water. Groundings are costly to your boat, engine and the environment. 6. Be responsible with your trash and dispose of plastic bags properly. Garbage hurts our marine life and environment; it can cause damage to your boat and engine. Media attending the press briefing should arrive at the Integrated Support Command Miami (100 MacArthur Cswy., Miami Beach) no later than 9:45 a.m. in order to be escorted aboard the base. Media interested in riding along during law enforcement patrols Saturday, between noon and 2 p.m., are encouraged to call the Biscayne National Park Public Information Office at 305-230-1144 ext.3019. Saving lives since 1790 -- the United States Coast Guard |
printer friendly