MEDIA ADVISORY: Coast Guard Station Fort Myers Beach to host open house

united states coast guard 

 

Media Advisory  

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

Coast Guard Station Fort Myers Beach to host open house

Editor's note: For interview requests contact Petty Officer 2nd Class Ashley J. Johnson at (305) 965-4672. 

WHO: Members from Station Fort Myers Beach, Auxiliary Division 9, Lee County Sheriff's Office Marine Unit, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, and Safe Kids Lee County.

 

WHAT: An open house and safety fair in support of National Safe Boating Week. Guests will tour several Coast Guard boats during the open house. Members of the Coast Guard Auxiliary will be available to answer recreational boating safety questions and certified vessel examiners will conduct free vessel safety checks for all registered vessels. No violations will be issued during the safety checks.

 

In addition, there will be instruction in knot tying and a maritime environmental game. ‘Coastie’, a remote-controlled low endurance class cutter will make an appearance. Free hot dogs will be served during the event.

 

WHEN: Saturday, May 19, 2018 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

 

WHERE: Coast Guard Station Fort Myers Beach, 719 San Carlos Dr, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931

FORT MYERS BEACH, Fla. – Coast Guard Station Fort Myers Beach crewmembers and volunteers from U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Division 9, are scheduled to host the station’s fifth annual open house and safety fair at the station in support of National Safe Boating Week, Saturday.

In the coming weeks, increased traffic on the water is expected. Coast Guard stations throughout Florida's west coast, state and local law enforcement, and first responders will be on patrol to ensure safety and security on the water, but the Coast Guard reminds boaters that safety starts at the dock before you board your boat. 

Before heading out, make sure every passenger, including the captain, is wearing a life jacket. Over 80 percent of all drownings can be attributed to not wearing a life jacket; nobody knows when an accident will occur, so wearing a life jacket helps alleviate the panic of finding one in case of emergency.

As the nation’s recreational boating safety coordinator, the Coast Guard works to minimize loss of life, personal injury, property damage, and environmental harm. The Coast Guard encourages all boaters to:

  • Download the Coast Guard Mobile App. The mobile app provides the essential services and information most commonly requested by boaters.
  • Register your EPIRB/PLB and DSC Marine Radio. Properly registered equipment will help speed up post-accident recovery.
  • File a float plan. Let someone know where you’re going. Coast Guard, state and local law enforcement and first responders have the ability to start a search quicker if we know where to begin.
  • Get a vessel safety check. Making sure you have the proper equipment on your boat increases your ability to arrive back at the dock safely.
  • Take a boating safety education course. Educating yourself on recreational boating safety can help reduce the risk of accidents.

Never board a boat with an intoxicated captain. Only a third of the alcohol needed to make a person impaired on the road can make a person equally impaired on the water, so use extreme caution when drinking this weekend. 

For further information about this event and other programs offered, contact Daniel Eaton at 239-425-7914.

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-USCG-