HONOLULU – The Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary kick off National Safe Boating Week during a free event at Pier 38 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday.
The marine expo will have boating information, products and services along with music, games and prizes.
Coast Guard Auxiliary will have a boating safety display for the public to ask questions, learn about and test equipment as well as schedule free vessel safety inspections.
National Safe Boating Week runs May 16-23 and is an annual initiative sponsored by the Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary to highlight the importance of life jackets, purchasing, maintaining and registering an Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacon, carrying safety and communication equipment aboard a vessel and the use of float plans and Paddle Smart stickers.
Free vessel inspections are scheduled to take place at boat harbors throughout the Hawaiian Islands:
Saturday, May 16: Maunalua Bay boat ramp 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. (Oahu); Heeia Kea boat ramp 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. (Oahu); Honokohau boat ramp 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (Big Island); Kihei boat ramp 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Maui)
Sunday, May 17: Keehi boat ramp 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Oahu); Nawiliwili boat ramp 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. (Kauai)
Vessel safety checks can also be schedule online at www.cgaux.org.
The Coast Guard strongly encourages vessel operators to attend a boating education course offered by the Hawaii Sail and Power Squadron. The course is offered May 16 and 23 at the Hawaii Kai Marina Patrol Office from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. To register for a class or for more information, call (808) 291-4338 or visit http://www.uspshawaii.org/index.html.
For interviews or more information, contact the 14th Coast Guard District office at 808-535-3230.