Coast Guard hones in on safe boating along the Hudson River

News Release

U.S. Coast Guard 1st District PA Detachment New York Contact: Coast Guard PA Detachment New York Office: (212) 514-4291 After Hours: (917) 703-0983 PA Detachment New York online newsroom

Coast Guard hones in on safe boating along the Hudson River

NEW YORK --The Coast Guard will be promoting safe boating on the Hudson River this summer as a result of the Ports and Waterways Safety Assessment (PAWSA) conducted last November.

Over 200 stakeholders who live, work and recreate on the Hudson River participated in this process conducted by the Coast Guard and provided valuable information to help increase safety for all waterway users. 

As part of this effort, the Coast Guard and local partner agencies will be increasing their presence along the Upper Hudson River throughout June, July and August as far north as the Troy Locks, and south to the Tappan Zee Bridge. Boarding teams from Coast Guard Sector New York will conduct ongoing recreational boating safety examinations alongside New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), and the Ulster County and Dutchess County Police Departments.

“Temperatures are on the rise and so is recreational boating,” said Capt. Jason Tama, commander of Coast Guard Sector New York. “Our goal is to promote all aspects of boating safety to prevent accidents and ensure environmental stewardship of our shared waterways.”

Improper use of life jackets continues to be a leading factor in recreational boating fatalities. According to the Coast Guard’s 2017 Recreational Boating Statistics, boating fatalities nationwide totaled 658 – the second highest number in five years. In the northeastern United States, 54 lives were lost from recreational boating accidents; 39 percent as a result of not wearing a life jacket.

Tama, who also serves as Captain of the Port of New York and New Jersey and the Port of Albany added: “Preventing fatal boating accidents continues to be a top priority. By collaborating with our partner agencies, our goal is to cultivate safer boating practices through education and awareness.”

Media inquiries or marinas interested in hosting a boating safety open house, or meeting with Coast Guard personnel can reach out to Ann Marie Gorden, Sector New York Public Affairs at annmarie.gorden@uscg.mil or by calling 347-585-2901.

For more information on boating responsibly, visit www.uscgboating.org.   

Download the U.S. Coast Guard Boating Safety mobile app at www.uscgboating.org/mobile.

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