Coast Guard to host members from the media to discuss safe boating during America’s Cup races

SAN DIEGO – Members of the Coast Guard Aids to Navigation Team, San Diego are scheduled to hold a media availability aboard a small boat during the San Diego America’s Cup World Series to discuss the importance of safe boating, Friday at 11 a.m.

“There is a certain element of risk when you go boating,” said Lt. Marie Sevin. “As more people take to the water to witness the America’s Cup events, they should also consider how to be safe on it.”

Being educated about safe boating could save a life. Most boating fatalities occur when the boat operator has not completed a boating safety education course. Courses cover many aspects of boating safety, from boat handling to reading the weather.

The Coast Guard also urges boaters to obtain a free vessel safety check, which is conducted by the Coast Guard Auxiliary before heading out on the water. Vessel safety checks are courtesy examinations of your vessel, verifying the presence and condition of certain safety equipment required by state and federal regulations.

“Just as you practice defensive driving on the road, you need to be aware of your surroundings just as much on the water, if not more,” Sevin said. “Be aware of those around you and react accordingly, especially in bad weather or when there are many boaters on the water during large maritime events like this. It’s critical to be mindful of navigation.”

WHO: Members of the Coast Guard Aids to Navigation Team.

WHAT: In an effort to reduce the number of incidents on the water the Coast Guard is offering four members of media the opportunity to get underway during America’s Cup World Series races to inform their audiences about the importance of boating and water safety. This will be a media pool and the media will have to coordinate the sharing of information.

WHERE: Coast Guard Sector San Diego, 2710 North Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101

WHEN: 11 a.m., Friday, November 18.

CONTACT: Coast Guard Public Affairs Detachment San Diego at 619.278.7025 by 4 p.m. Thursday.

For further boating safety information, check online at the following:

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary: http://www.cgaux.org/

Vessel Safety Checks: http://www.vesselsafetycheck.org/

Coast Guard Boating Safety page: http://www.uscgboating.org/

National Safe Boating Council: http://www.safeboatingcouncil.org/

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