Coast Guard to conduct interviews about safety, law enforcement efforts for Lake Washington Seafair weekend events

News Release

August 3, 2017 U.S. Coast Guard 13th District Pacific Northwest Contact: 13th District Public Affairs Office: (206) 220-7237

Coast Guard to conduct interviews about safety, law enforcement efforts for Lake Washington Seafair weekend events

Editor's note: Media will have the opportunity to interview Coast Guard members about law enforcement efforts and safety concerns on Lake Washington  8 a.m., Friday, at Mt Baker Beach, Lake Washington Blvd. S, Seattle, WA 98144.

  

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SEATTLE — During the 68th annual Seafair, Coast Guard crews from around the Seattle area, in conjunction with local authorities will conduct safety and law enforcement efforts on Lake Washington during the weekend events.

Coast Guard crews from Coast Guard Station Seattle, Maritime Safety and Security Team 91101, Maritime Force Protection Unit Bangor and Sector Puget Sound Boarding Team will be addressing boating under the influence cases while conducting education, detection and enforcement patrols.

The high volume of boating traffic from Seafair events on the lake increases the need for multi-agency cooperation to enforce safety on and along the water. The Coast Guard has been participating in Seafair activities for more than 25 years and has stood watch over the people of the Pacific Northwest and visitors during this period of increased maritime activity. 

Boaters are responsible for their own safety and Coast Guard crews will be conducting safety checks working with boaters to ensure all required safety gear such as lifejackets and fire extinguishers are on board and operational.

The consumption of alcohol on a boat is legal, however it is illegal to operate a boat while intoxicated. All boaters who intend to involve alcohol with their boating activities need to assign a Designated Skipper, who can operate the vessel sober.

The consumption and possession of marijuana and other drugs is illegal under Federal law. If Coast Guard crews encounter marijuana use they will act in close coordination with partner agencies to address each situation based on presented facts and circumstances. Boating under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance is illegal and can result in an arrest.

-USCG-