A schedule of events is as follows in the Milwaukee area:

May 19th  New Berlin Safety Fair

May 23rd  Water Safety Tour for Lincoln Elementary School

May 24th  Flare Demonstration at South Shore Yacht Club

The Coast Guard strives to educate the boating public and reinforce their knowledge to ensure safe recreation on the water.  This year's campaign theme is "Wear It", showcasing the importance of wearing a life jacket at all times while on a boat.  Other safe boating practices include the following:

* Filing a float plan
* Having a marine band radio onboard
* Undergoing a free courtesy dockside examination from the Coast Guard Auxiliary

Officials at Coast Guard Sector Lake Michigan will be available for interviews concerning safe boating practices on May 23rd at 1 p.m.

In addition, boat rides on Coast Guard Homeland Security and Rescue Boats will be available at Coast Guard Station Milwaukee for interested media.

For more information or to participate in the day's activities, contact LCDR Malinauskas, Sector Lake Michigan public affairs officer, at (414) 747-7145.

Online boating safety information can be found at http://www.safeboatingcouncil.org.

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