7th Coast Guard District
U.S. Coast Guard
News Release
Coast Guard urges boaters to be safe this Labor Day weekend
Coast Guard crews will be patrolling, conducting safety checks, and watching for people boating while intoxicated or operating in an unsafe manner.
The Coast Guard asks the boating public to monitor weather broadcasts and be aware of current storm advisories. The National Weather Service broadcasts marine weather forecasts regularly on Channels 1 through 5 on a VHF marine radio. Forecasts can also be checked by visiting the NWS website at http://www.nws.noaa.gov/.
Boaters are reminded to always wear their life jackets, file a float plan with a friend or family member, and are highly encouraged to have a working VHF radio and Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) aboard. An example of a float plan can be found at http://www.floatplancentral.org/.
Remaining vigilant, observing safety and security zones while on the water, and understanding the hazards of boating under the influence of alcohol, will contribute to a safe weekend on the water.
Additional information on safe and secure boating practices can be found at the Coast Guards Office of Boating Safety page at http://www.uscgboating.org/.
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