By Ron Scarazzo
Guest Writer
The U.S. Coast Guard and the USCG Auxiliary will sponsor National Safe Boating Week (NSBW) this year May 18th - 24, 2024, just prior to the Memorial Day holiday.
The USCG Auxiliary of North Georgia will hold its annual tent booth again at Mayor’s Park Boat ram from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 18.
At this event, we offer free vessel exams, literature on the U.S. Coast Guard, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and eagerly greet local boaters for the 2024 boating season.
This event is sponsored by the National Weather Service, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary in tandem with the National Boating Safety Council. We also would like to recognize the Hiawassee Police and Mayor Liz Ordiales for allowing the use of the pavilion at Mayor’s Park.
The importance of these agencies are tied together to save lives on the water through public education and outreach.
Every year thousands of fatalities and injuries occur during water activities due to correctable mistakes such as not wearing an appropriate floatation device (life vest), not having or using safety gear for your vessel (engine cut-off switches), extra paddles, having flares or flags, carrying water and other necessities that in a life-threatening event could provide a better outcome. Most boaters have the basic personal protective equipment but we urge you to keep them on hand and use them properly. Water activities are fun so keep them safe.
Also from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 18, our Auxiliary public education instructors will teach the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Safe Boating course in Hiawassee at the old 911 center across from the Ridges Marina with a lunch break at noon. Books are free.
Contact Bob Poindexter at (321) 863-1972 for early registration, time and location updates.