This week, the US Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary throughout Alaska are promoting safe boating practices in recognition of National Safe Boating Week, a pre-Memorial Day campaign to help lower boating deaths and accidents.
“Boating safety is of paramount importance,” said Paul Webb, Coast Guard 17th District search and rescue specialist. “With the ever-changing weather in Alaska the only thing that we have control over is how we prepare. Preparing for a worst-case scenario grants you a better chance of survival and allows the Coast Guard valuable time that you may not otherwise have.”
Last year, the Coast Guard in Alaska saved 260 lives, helped 897 people and rescued more than $800,000 worth of property, according to the agency.
For more on Vessel Safety Checks visit: http://www.cgaux.org/vsc/ or http://www.safetyseal.net or go to www.uscgboating.org.
