Boating Safety Week with US Coast Guard

PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) - For anyone gearing up to hit the water soon, the Coast Guard wants to make sure people are prepared.

Boating season has already begun for some, but for those still planning on setting a course for adventure, authorities want to make sure when boaters leave the dock, they’re wearing lifejackets.

Sil Viera is visiting from North Carolina with his family on board the Captain’s Choice. And whether it’s an all day trip or just a three hour tour, it’s all about safety first and keeping life jackets close by.

“What we do is grab a package of life jackets and throw them up on the deck when we go out, so we’re not looking for it if you have to grab one right now,” Vieira told WAVY.com.

The Coast Guard would like boaters to always wear them while boating and that’s their main message for Boating Safety Week. In a little over a week, Norfolk’s waters will be filled with boaters for OpSail 2012.

But for any boaters who plan to party on the water, the Coast Guard might just take the wind out of your sails.

“For those vessels that think they’re coming out here and partying and having a great old time, just know that the Coast Guard will be looking for vessels that are operating erratically and drinking while underway…just keep it under control,” David Bourbeau with the Cost Guard said.

And it’s not just life jackets the Coast Guard wants boaters to have on board. Fire extinguishers, flares and radios are all required as well.

For more information on boating safety, visit www.uscgboating.org .