Officials discussed the importance of life jackets, local boating hazards, essential and recommended boating equipment and other aspects of boating safety on Monday afternoon.
Boat crews were on hand to demonstrate the proper functions and uses of boating safety equipment.
Authorities remind everyone that safety comes first on the Hudson River, a busy corridor for all types of maritime traffic.
“It’s unique in that the amount of ship traffic you get from tankers, right down to these jet skis,” said Michael Lara of the U.S. Coast Guard.
Life jackets should fit like a seat belt in a car, not too tight but not loose enough that they can slip off.
If and when there are any problems here on the water, the Coast Guard, NYPD Port Unit, and FDNY Marine Operations are here to help.
They say the biggest problem they encounter is related to paperwork.
“People who don’t have the onboard check-in, just like a car, your check-in should be with the ship,” Lara said.
Consumption of alcohol is permitted on most ships, but only for passengers.
Officials warn that it is against the law and unwise to operate any type of vessel under the influence.
They also remind boaters that patrols will be reinforced over the holiday weekend and throughout the summer.
Anyone found guilty of the BWI will not have legal costs, but they could lose their license and even spend time in jail.
“That includes alcohol and nowadays marijuana of any kind, stay sober on the water,” FDNY Lt. Ilya Zerakhto said.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drowning is one of the leading causes of unintentional injury death worldwide and the leading cause of injury death in children ages 1 to 4 in the United States.
National Safe Boating Week, which runs May 21-27, is a campaign in which the National Safe Boating Council, U.S. Coast Guard, and other federal, state, and local agencies promote safe boating practices. safe navigation ahead of Memorial Day weekend.
READ ALSO | Women lead the way in the NYPD Port Unit, patrolling New York City waterways
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