CONTACT:
HENRY GOLDMAN,
U.S.COAST GUARD AUXILIARY
PUBLIC AFFAIRS
805-985-7740
HENRY GOLDMAN,
U.S.COAST GUARD AUXILIARY
PUBLIC AFFAIRS
805-985-7740
Channel Islands Harbor, CA., (May 15,2007) – In preparation for the 2007 boating season, the National Safe Boating Week (NSBW) scheduled for May 17th –May 23rd. nationwide, Channel Islands Harbor Patrol in partnership with the U.S.Coast Guard, the U.S.Coast Guard Auxiliary, the U.S.Power Squadron and local air & sea rescue agencies launched its own Exposition before the hectic Memorial Day Weekend . NSBW is designed to promote key boating safety initiatives to more than 78 million recreational boaters nationwide.
Dubbed “Wear It!”, this multi-year initiative puts life jackets center stage, emphasizing that the number one proven safety precaution on the water is life jacket wear. Boaters can stay safe on our nation’s waters by adopting a second nature approach to wearing their life jackets. Today’s life jackets offer the latest in technological innovations custom-designed for individual water activities and long days on the boat.
This year’s event drew twice the attendance of last year. Boaters and families were treated to a search and rescue exercise performed in the harbor in front the Coast Guard Station, two on the water demonstrations were performed with a simulated fire aboard a sailboat. The first demonstration featured the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department helicopter dropping two rescue swimmers to “victims” in the water, and the Swift Water Rescue Team transporting them to shore aboard their unique PWC (Personal Water Craft). The second demonstration involved a Coast Guard helicopter dropping a rescue swimmer to a “victim” in the water, then hoisting them both back on board for medical evaluation ashore. All participating agencies’ equipment remained on display all day for viewing.
The Coast Guard Station, Coast Guard Cutter Halibut, an 87 foot patrol boat and smaller boats were open for tours. Forty-eight excited children and parents had the opportunity to ride out of the harbor on the Halibut, while the 41’ CG Utility Boat took out sixty children and parents.
Boaters brought in well over 500 outdated flares for disposal. They viewed safety demonstrations on the latest styles of life preservers, deployment of a life raft, and received hands on experience in the proper use of fire extinguishers. Local vendors and government agencies presented all with free brochures, and to see the latest in safety equipment.
Winners of our all day raffle walked away a VHF Radio, CPR Red Cross classes, handheld GPS, and inflatable life vests, all donated by West Marine of Port Hueneme, and the Red Cross of Ventura.
Attendees came away from the Exposition with first hand experience on how our local Coast Guard, Fire Department, Sheriff, and Harbor Patrol work in together for on the water emergencies. They also gained knowledge of safety measures, acquired safety materials, and schedules of boating classes available to the public offered by the U.S.Coast Guard Auxiliary and the Power Squadron.
Free Vessel Examinations were performed for by the Coast Guard Auxiliary members at the Channel Islands Harbor and Ventura Harbor Boat Ramp. Free safety checks will continue each weekend at the ramps through the end of May. Those passing, will receive a decal. During the Memorial Day weekend the U.S.Coast Guard will be doing their own inspections on the water and if the vessel does not pass the safety check they could face fines and be ordered back to the dock.
Winners of our all day raffle walked away a VHF Radio, CPR Red Cross classes, handheld GPS, and inflatable life vests, all donated by West Marine of Port Hueneme, and the Red Cross of Ventura.
Attendees came away from the Exposition with first hand experience on how our local Coast Guard, Fire Department, Sheriff, and Harbor Patrol work in together for on the water emergencies. They also gained knowledge of safety measures, acquired safety materials, and schedules of boating classes available to the public offered by the U.S.Coast Guard Auxiliary and the Power Squadron.
Free Vessel Examinations were performed for by the Coast Guard Auxiliary members at the Channel Islands Harbor and Ventura Harbor Boat Ramp. Free safety checks will continue each weekend at the ramps through the end of May. Those passing, will receive a decal. During the Memorial Day weekend the U.S.Coast Guard will be doing their own inspections on the water and if the vessel does not pass the safety check they could face fines and be ordered back to the dock.
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