Media Availability: Coast Guard to host on camera opportunity for media on July 4th water safety

News Release

U.S. Coast Guard 14th District Hawaii and the Pacific Contact: 14th District Public Affairs Office: (808) 535-3230 After Hours: HawaiiPacific@uscg.mil 14th District online newsroom

Media Availability: Coast Guard to host on camera opportunity for media on July 4th water safety

HONOLULU — The media are invited to Base Honolulu, Monday, to discuss safety for the upcoming Fourth of July holiday.

Media will have the opportunity to speak with a Sector Honolulu representative about the Coast Guard’s efforts to ensure a safe holiday weekend as well as general safety tips for waterway users.

An increase in the number of recreational boating incidents has been noticed nation-wide this season, and in Hawaii that is reflected in cases of swimmers, divers, and snorkelers.

Every Fourth of July, residents and visitors take to Hawaii’s coast to enjoy the festivities on both the beach and at sea. The numbers often create safety concerns around large flotillas, extended time in or on the water and alcohol consumption.

The Coast Guard and partner agencies will be on the water over the holiday to ensure the safety of life at sea and on stand by for emergent search and rescue cases. They will also conduct safety checks to prevent illegal vessel operations and boating under the influence.

This year COVID-19 is a concern and the public is asked to follow the State Guidelines for gatherings and any recent exposures.

Who: The United States Coast Guard

What: Opportunity to speak with a Sector Honolulu representative about Fourth of July safety and view Coast Guard assets.

When: Monday, June 29th, at 9 a.m., media should arrive at Coast Guard Base Honolulu no later than 8 a.m.

Where: Coast Guard Base Honolulu, 400 Sand Island Parkway, Honolulu, HI, 96819. Media will be met at the front gate and escorted.

The media are asked to prepare to be in the sun for up to an hour. Sunscreen, and closed toed shoes are recommended. Due to the working nature of our vessels and base, shoes with high heels and open toes are discouraged.

Due to COVID-19, the media is asked to wear face masks and maintain 6-foot social distancing while on Coast Guard Base Honolulu.

Please RSVP to Coast Guard 14th District External Affairs at 808-763-6520  by 4 p.m., Saturday.

-USCG-