Coast Guard to hold safe boating media event on Georgetown Waterfront

U.S. Coast Guard sent this bulletin at 05/19/2021 05:01 PM EDT

united states coast guard 

News Release

U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Public Affairs North
D5 Public Affairs North, Baltimore, Md
Office: (410) 576-2541

After Hours: (757) 295-8435
D5 Public Affairs North online newsroom

Coast Guard to hold safe boating media event on Georgetown Waterfront

WHO: Petty Officer 2nd Class Taylor Staff, Coast Guard Station Washington

WHAT: Interviews on boating safety gear and practices leading up to Memorial Day weekend, the unofficial start to the boating season

WHEN: Friday, May 21, 10 a.m.

WHERE: Georgetown Waterfront (Waterside of Fiola Mare)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Members of Coast Guard Station Washington, D.C. will be conducting media interviews on life-saving, safe boating practices, to include proper boating gear and safety tips ahead of Memorial Day weekend, at the Georgetown Waterfront (Waterside of Fiola Mare), Friday.

Memorial Day weekend has been considered by many as the unofficial start to the recreational boating season. As boaters take to the water, there is an increased likelihood for search and rescue situations, mechanical failures and accidents.

Media interested in attending the event are requested to RSVP to Lt. j.g. Clayton Harts at 816-896-0992 by 6 p.m., Thursday, and arrive no later than 9:30 a.m. on the day of the event. 

Media and meteorologists conducting weather reports as well as the public can contribute to boating safety awareness by taking part in Wear Your Lifejacket to Work Day on May 21, 2021.

The annual event, hosted by the National Safe Boating Council, serves as a fun, educational element just prior to National Safe Boating Week, which takes place May 22-28. Educating the boating public about the safety and comfort of life jackets is a main focus of the “Wear Your Life Jacket at Work” Day campaign.

The Coast Guard Fifth District is asking all participants to take a picture of themselves in their life jacket while at work and tag @USCGMidAtlantic on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

U.S. Coast Guard statistics show that drowning was the reported cause of death in four out of every five recreational boating fatalities in 2019, and that approximately 86% of those who drowned were not wearing life jackets.

-USCG-