U.S. COAST GUARD SECTOR CHARESTON, S.C. –
Members of U.S. Coast Guard Sector Charleston and port partners held an open house at U.S. Coast Guard Sector Charleston, S.C., May 19, 2018, to observe the kickoff for National Safe Boating Week.
During National Safe Boating Week, which runs from May 19-25, the U.S. Coast Guard and its federal, state and local safe boating partners teach boaters how to responsibly explore and enjoy the waterways of the Charleston area.
“This week is the kickoff for 2018. This open house demonstrates what Charleston’s Coast Guard and our maritime partners have to offer when it comes to boating safety,” said Ensign Phillip Vanderweit, U.S. Coast Guard Sector Charleston response enforcement officer. “There is a very strong boating community here in Charleston so it’s very important to get the public informed on steps they can take, such as appropriately planning their trips on the water, having the necessary safety equipment and communicating to their loved ones about where they’re going.”
This 60th annual event featured booths and displays showcasing information about Sector Charleston and their maritime partners along the 287-mile coastline they are responsible for. The event also featured free safety equipment and vessel inspections for attendees.
“We have several missions such as marine stewardship, marine safety and marine security,” said Vanderweit. “Today we’re focused on the marine safety aspect. We want to reduce the ‘search’ part of ‘search and rescue’ so we can get to you faster and the way we can accomplish this is by informing people on how to keep themselves and their families safe while out on the water.”
The event gave local community members the opportunity to learn about boat safety, tour Coast Guard boats, cutters and sector facilities.
“This event helps get people thinking about the importance of safety and what it really means to maintain personal safety and the safety of others on the boat,” said Capt. John Reed, U.S. Coast Guard Sector Charleston commander. “We’re giving the community a chance to see what the Coast Guard’s capabilities are, while also giving us the chance to interact and educate them on what they can do to help make their boating season a safe one.”
For more information about NSBW, visit http://www.safeboatingcampaign.com/.