DATE:

CONTACT:

September 3, 2009

Lt.j.g. Jeremy Pichette

(415) 748-0112

Labor Day Boating Safety Reminder

SAN FRANCISCO - The Coast Guard reminds boaters to exercise safe boating practices over the Labor Day weekend and be aware of a no-wake zone around the Eastern Span of the Oakland-San Francisco Bay Bridge near Yerba Buena Island.

The Labor Day weekend will encourage an increase of vessel traffic on the water.  Boaters are reminded to equip their vessels with safety equipment, be mindful of state boating laws, and be cautious when transiting under the Eastern Span of the Bay Bridge.  Coast Guard assets will be on-scene during the removal and installation of a new portion of the Bay Bridge to ensure the safety of passing boaters and minimal speeds in the vicinity of heavy equipment. 

It is against the law for anyone to operate a vessel under the influence of alcohol. The legal limit while operating a vessel is .08 BAC. An increase of vessel traffic on the water this weekend may present challenging conditions while navigating a vessel. Consumption of alcohol by anyone else aboard is also strongly discouraged.         

There should be a personal flotation device on the vessel for each person, sized accordingly and easily accessible. Children younger than 13-years-old are required by FEDERAL law to wear a life jacket at all times. Boaters should have flares and an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon with 406 MHz capabilities to enable a faster response by the Coast Guard in the event of an emergency. 

Boaters should have an operational marine VHF radio on their boat in order to contact the Coast Guard on channel 16, in the event an emergency.  Due to the high mountainous areas throughout the region, boaters should not rely on their cell phones as a means of communication.  In order to expedite the Coast Guard's response in an emergency, mariners should have a GPS unit on board or maintain knowledge of local waters and know their location at all times.  The Coast Guard reminds radio operators that VHF channel 16 is an emergency channel and that improper transmission on channel 16 hampers Coast Guard response, and is punishable under federal law.

The Coast Guard strongly recommends that all boaters file a float plan with a friend or family member on land, with an approximate time of return and location to which you will be heading.  It is recommended that you regularly check in with those who are aware of your plan, especially if your plan should change. 

Mariners should check current and forecasted weather conditions prior to getting underway, and remain aware of changing conditions once on the water.  The National Weather Service broadcasts weather conditions throughout the day on VHF channel WX2.  The Coast Guard broadcasts weather conditions on VHF channel 22A at 9:30 a.m., noon, and 4:30 p.m.

Prior to taking to the water, boaters are encouraged to go to http://uscgboating.org/ for more complete information on safe boating.  The Coast Guard also highly recommends boaters get a free vessel-safety inspection from the Coast Guard Auxiliary.  More information on these inspections can be found at http://www.vesselsafetycheck.org/.  A few minutes now could save a life later. 

Current weather information and advisories can be found on the National Weather Service website. http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/marine/zone/west/mtrmz.htm

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