Coast Guard Auxiliary stresses
vigilance and safety on the water this summer

As summer approaches and more boaters hit the waterways for recreation, it is crucial the boating public recognize their role in keeping waterways safe and secure in cooperation with Homeland Security.

Many security zones and restrictions were established after September 11. Boaters are required to keep their distance from all military vessels, nuclear power plants and large commercial ships. Security zones also exist around port areas, especially petroleum facilities, military installations and under and around bridges. Boaters should keep a sharp eye out for anything that looks peculiar or out to the ordinary and are asked to contact the local authorities or the Coast Guard if they observe something suspicious. Vigilance on the water is the focus of the Coast Guard Auxiliary's message, in partnership with the National Safe Boating Council and the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators, for this year's North American Safe Boating Campaign.

Operation BoatSmart, a U.S. Coast Guard Initiative to save lives, also stresses having safe boating instruction and operating a well-equipped vessel. Each year hundreds of people die in boating-related accidents and nine out of every 10 victims were not wearing a life jacket.

More than 60 percent of boating fatalities resulted from capsizing, falling overboard or flooding/swamping. It's often the sudden and unexpected trip out of the boat and into the water that turns an accident into a deadly situation. Merely having a lifejacket on board is not good enough in these instances. It must be worn to be effective.

The summer months are the busiest time of the year for boating, making waterways even more dangerous. Coast Guard crews are especially watchful for people boating while intoxicated or operating in an unsafe manner, such as overloading boats. Mariners are required to carry safety equipment on board according to the size and type of vessel. Life jackets are always required for each passenger and are required for water skiers, as well as operators and passengers on personal watercraft, at all times.

For information on safe and secure boating practices visit the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Home Page at http://www.cgaux.org or contact your local Coast Guard Auxiliary flotilla in the Hamlin/Hilton Area: Flotilla 4-8 Carol Urgola - 585-392-3505, Braddock Bay Area: Flotilla 4-5 Brian Williams - 585-427-7054, Rochester Area: Flotilla 4-2 James LeClaire - 585-647-3802.