ANCHORAGE, Alaska — In recognition of National Safe Boating Week 2020, May 16-22, the Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary across Alaska are encouraging and promoting safe boating practices to protect lives on the water.

The National Safe Boating Week campaign is a public outreach effort held annually during the week leading up to Memorial Day weekend and is designed to help reduce boating fatalities and accidents by generating awareness on the waterways in The Last Frontier.

“Whether you’re an experienced boater or new, please make the effort to practice safe boating,”  said Cmdr. Lyle Kessler, external affairs officer for the 17th Coast Guard District. “Boating safely begins with planning well in advance of ever heading out on the water. The life you save through preparation may be your own, or someone close to you.”

In 2019, the Coast Guard in Alaska saved 214 lives, assisted 600 people and protected more than $55 million worth of property.

Here are some boating safety tips to keep you safe on the water this summer:

1. Wear a life jacket; they save lives. In Alaska, boaters are required to have one Coast Guard-approved life jacket for each person aboard their vessel, and they must be in serviceable condition. Persons 13 years of age and younger are required by law to wear a life jacket at all times when in an open boat, on the deck of a boat, or when waterskiing.

2. File a float plan before you get underway detailing your trip to aid rescuers in the event you are overdue. This can be as simple as telling someone where you are going and when you return, but the Coast Guard encourages you to write it down, include details, and to give it to someone who will check that you made it back safe.

3. Take multiple forms of communication devices and extra batteries and chargers. Always remember, VHF-FM radio is the primary communications network for the maritime boating community. Enabling the Digital Selective Calling features on your VHF-FM marine radio can broadcast your location and information to every boat within range in an emergency. Also consider a personal emergency beacon, and ensure it is registered with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration at http://www.sarsat.noaa.gov/beacon.html . 

4. Check all required safety equipment to be sure it is in good working order. Vessel safety checks by the Coast Guard Auxiliary are free. Trained examiners help boaters review their equipment and give advice about how to improve safety. 

5. Check the weather. Be sure to look at the immediate weather forecast as well as the extended forecast; weather can change in Alaska in a matter of hours. Be prepared for it. The National Weather Service offers local and statewide current and extended marine weather forecasts on their website, which are broadcast on VHF marine-band radios.

6. Dress for the water temperature. Though the air may be warming up, the water is still cold and does not rise above low 50s even at the height of summer. Wet suits and dry suits offer protection against hypothermia in the event of immersion in the water.  Thermal protection against the effects of cold-water shock can save your life.

7. Boat sober. Never boat under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

To find out more about Vessel Safety Checks visit: http://www.cgaux.org/vsc/ or http://www.safetyseal.net/.

For more information on boating responsibly, please visit www.uscgboating.org.

Additional information on boating safety and resources can be found at www.uscgboating.org or www.safeboatingcampaign.com.

Media interested in interviewing a Coast Guard spokesperson about boating safety during National Safe Boating Week should contact:

Anchorage/Southcentral: Petty Officer Nate Littlejohn, 907-227-9248

Juneau/Southeast: Lt. Cmdr. Scott McCaan, 907-957-0639

Kodiak/all other: Petty Officer Lauren Dean, 907-654-4112

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