Contact: Ninth Coast Guard District Public Affairs Office
(216) 310-2608
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Ninth District External Affairs
U.S. Coast Guard |
| News Release |
Date: September 2, 2009
Contact: Ninth Coast Guard District Public Affairs Office
(216) 902-6020 office
(216) 310-2608 cell
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U.S. Coast Guard reminds Great Lakes mariners to be safe during the Labor Day weekend
CLEVELAND – The Ninth Coast Guard District is reminding Great Lakes mariners to be safe during the Labor Day weekend...and always.
The Coast Guard would like all mariners to enjoy the Labor Day weekend and return home safely. This can be achieved by following a few safe boating rules:
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Wear a personal floatation device/life jacket at all times. The law states you must have a PFD for every person on board, but the Coast Guard suggests you go one step further and wear your PFD at all times when boating. It is much more difficult to locate, access, or don a PFD at the moment the accident occurs. CLICK HERE for more information on personal floatation devices/PFDs.
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File a float plan and leave it with someone who is not recreating on the water. A float plan is a lifesaving device on paper and can assist emergency responders with locating a distressed mariner. CLICK HERE for more information on float plans.
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Have a marine band radio and visual distress signals. All of these devices will greatly assist you if you are in distress. CLICK HERE for more information on visual distress signals.
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Have a registered 406MHz Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon. CLICK HERE to learn more about registering your EPIRB.
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DO NOT boat under the influence of alcohol. Alcohol affects judgment, vision, balance and coordination. Factor in boat motion, vibration, engine noise, sun, wind and spray and a drinker's impairment is accelerated. CLICK HERE for more information on boating under the influence.
"Boating safety is a year-round responsibility for all boaters. The Great Lakes can be a wonderful place to recreate, but they can also be very unforgiving waters," said Mr. Frank Jennings, Jr., Ninth Coast Guard District Recreational Boating Specialist. "Following these boating safety rules can only improve the chances of having a great time on the water and safely returning home."
For additional boating safety tips, go to http://www.uscgboating.org/index.aspx.
For media inquiries, to arrange a boating safety interview with a Coast Guard member or to obtain additional boating safety information, contact your local Coast Guard unit or the Ninth Coast Guard District Public Affairs Office at (216) 902-6020.
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Are you "Born Ready?"
Learn more at http://www.gocoastguard.com/.
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