In honor of Safe Boating Week, which runs from Saturday to May 23, 2015, U.S. Coast Guard Sector Southeastern New England and local Coast Guard Auxiliary units are providing free boating safety checks at events throughout the region.
The checks are offered to ensure boats are equipped with federally mandated safety gear designed to save lives and summon help during an emergency.
Each checked vessel will be awarded a U.S. Coast Guard/Auxiliary decal - valid through the end of the year - which signify that the vessel is in compliance with federal and state boating laws, and properly equipped with safety gear. It also informs other boating law-enforcement agencies that the vessel has been checked.
"The best thing about Coast Guard vessel safety checks is that they can and do save lives," said Lt. Peter Hackett, a prevention officer at Coast Guard Sector Southeastern New England.
"Another bonus is that they are free and quick," he said.
During Safe Boating Week, boater are encouraged to visit any of the Coast Guard and Auxiliary safety exhibits in the following locations:
Newport, R.I. - May 16/17: (The Volvo Ocean Race) Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary members will be on hand to distribute boating safety information. (at Fort Adams Park Race Village)
Plymouth, Mass. - May 16/17: Coast Guard Safe Boating exhibit and free Vessel Safety Checks performed by the Coast Guard Auxiliary. (at the State Boat Ramp)
Fairhaven, Mass. - May 16: Coast Guard Safe Boating exhibit with free Vessel Safety Checks performed by the Coast Guard Auxiliary. (at West Marine)
Tiverton, R.I. - May 16: Coast Guard Safe Boating exhibit with free Vessel Safety Checks performed by the Coast Guard Auxiliary. (at Standish Boat Yard)
Berlin, Mass. - May 17: Coast Guard Safe Boating Week booth. (at the new Cabela's)
Fairhaven, Mass. - May 23: Coast Guard Safe Boating exhibit with free Vessel Safety Checks performed by the Coast Guard Auxiliary. (at the Pease Park Boat Ramp)
Westport, Mass. - May 23: Coast Guard Safe Boating exhibit with free Vessel Safety Checks for paddle craft performed by the Coast Guard Auxiliary. (at Osprey Sea Kayak)
Shrewsbury, Mass. - May 25: Vessel Safety Check Day with the Coast Guard Auxiliary. (at Lake Quinsigamond)
More information on Free Vessel Safety Checks is available HERE