MEDIA AVAILABILITY: Coast Guard, partner agencies to conduct press briefing in preparation for spring break season

News Release

U.S. Coast Guard 7th District PA Detachment Tampa Bay Contact: Coast Guard PA Detachment Tampa Bay (305) 965-4672 PA Detachment Tampa Bay online newsroom

MEDIA AVAILABILITY: Coast Guard, partner agencies to conduct press briefing in preparation for spring break season

 

TAMPA, Fla. — Coast Guard and partner agencies are scheduled to host a boating safety press briefing in Tampa, Friday.

WHO: Crewmembers from Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg, Coast Guard Auxiliary, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, Pinellas County Sheriff's Office, and Tampa Police Department.

WHAT: A press briefing to highlight boating safety, including the importance of not boating under the influence and potential hazards to navigation. Also, what spring breakers can do to stay safe and still have fun on the water.

WHEN: Friday, March 2, 10:30 a.m. Media is asked to arrive no later than 10 a.m.

WHERE: Gandy Boat Ramp, 5108 W. Gandy Blvd., Tampa, FL 33611

Media interested in attending are requested to RSVP with Coast Guard Petty Officer 2nd Class Ashley J. Johnson at 305-965-4672.

AAA lists three Florida cities in the top 10 spring break destinations. Although the Tampa Bay area is not listed, Coast Guard and partner agencies are preparing for an influx of beachgoers and boaters.

The Coast Guard reminds boaters to always be prepared before leaving the dock and remember these safety tips:

• Always wear a life jacket. In an emergency there may not be enough time to put one on. Life jackets should be Coast Guard approved, and children should only wear child-sized life jackets.
  
  
• Don't drink and boat. Nationally, alcohol use was the leading contributing factor in fatal boating accidents. Boating under the influence or boating while intoxicated is just as deadly as drinking and driving. It is illegal to operate a boat while under the influence.
  
  
• If you pay to be transported by a boat, look for boats that have a Coast Guard Decal posted, and verify the boat operator holds the appropriate Coast Guard license for the route and service you are traveling. You have the right to know you are paying for a safe voyage.
  
  
• Download the free Coast Guard mobile app. The app is geared to help boaters safely enjoy their time on the water. Focusing on recreational boating, the app has a float plan function, the ability to check weather reports, and even the ability to call for emergency assistance. It is currently available free for iOS and Android devices.
  
  
• Have an emergency position-indicating radio beacon, EPIRB, on your boat. Own it, know it, and register it. EPIRB is a device that is designed to transmit a distress signal, even if you're out of cell phone range. No matter where you are in the world, an EPIRB sends a signal to emergency responders through a satellite system.
  
  
• Check the weather before leaving the dock. Know your boat's weather limitations. Check for storms, tides, currents and winds.
  
  
• Make a float plan. A float plan is a written plan given to friends or family that states where you are going, and when you plan to leave and return. If you change your plans mid-voyage, let someone know.
  
  

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-USCG-