PHOTO RELEASE: Coast Guard, partners kick off National Safe Boating Week in Charleston

Capt. John Reed, center, Commander, Sector Charleston, and John Tecklenburg, center right, Mayor of Charleston, discuss the importance of boating safety and the purpose of National Safe Boating Week May 18, 2019, during Coast Guard Sector Charleston's open house in Charleston, South Carolina. During the open house, Mayor Tecklenburg signed a National Safe Boating proclamation kicking off National Safe Boating Week. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by U.S Coast Guard Auxiliarist Catherine Nixon Heibel)

Philippe Gresle, Flotilla Commander 12-6, John Tecklenburg, Mayor of Charleston, and Capt. John Reed, Commander, Sector Charleston, pose for a photo with Jacques, a French poodle, May 18, 2019, during Coast Guard Sector Charleston's open house in Charleston, South Carolina. During the open house, Mayor Tecklenburg signed a National Safe Boating proclamation kicking off National Safe Boating Week. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by U.S Coast Guard Auxiliarist Catherine Nixon Heibel)

A Coast Guard Auxilarist talks to children about the proper boating safety equipment May 18, 2019, during Coast Guard Sector Charleston's open house in Charleston, South Carolina. During the open house, Coast Guard and port partners emphasized the importance of safe boating practices and the use of boating safety equipment. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Barry Bena)

A Coast Guard Auxilarist table is set up with safety equipment and pollution hazards in order to educate the public May 18, 2019, during Coast Guard Sector Charleston's open house in Charleston, South Carolina. During the open house, Coast Guard and port partners emphasized the importance of safe boating practices and the use of boating safety equipment. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Barry Bena)