Photo Release: Coast Guard helps kick off the 2010 boating season

SEATTLE – Coast Guard Petty Officer 1st Class Keivar MacDonald looks on at the passing rowers in Seatttle, Saturday, May 1, 2010. Boat crews from Coast Guard Station Seattle conducted safety patrols for the opening day boating parade. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer Nathan W. Bradshaw.

SEATTLE - Coast Guard Auxiliary boat crew ensures proper vessel traffic in Seattle, Saturday, May 1, 2010. Coast Guard Auxiliary members helped by conducting safety patrols for the opening day boating parade. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer Nathan W. Bradshaw.     

SEATTLE — Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary crewmembers conduct safety patrols during the kick off to the 2010 boating season in Union Bay, Saturday, May 1, 2010.  The Coast Guard would like to remind boaters to have a 'SWEET' time on the water. 

S - Safety

* Don't drink and boat
* Wear a life jacket
* Ensure your equipment is labeled with the proper contact information. Click here for more information.

W-Weather

* Check weather forecasts
* Dress for the water, not the weather

E - Equipment

* Carry a VHF-FM marine radio
* Make sure your boat is in good repair
* Get a free vessel safety exam from the Coast Guard Auxillary

E - Environment

* Keep a sharp lookout and monitor the weather and sea conditions
* Keep your distance from military, passenger and commercial shipping

T- Training

* Check all safety gear and ensure that everybody is trained in its use
* Take a boating class; educated boaters are safe boaters

Boaters can get some assistance in ensuring they are properly prepared by taking advantage of some of the services offered by the Coast Guard Auxiliary and the U.S. Power Squadron; volunteer organizations dedicated to promoting safe boating. Both organizations offer a variety of safe boating courses, as well as free vessel safety checks, which can help ensure a boat is properly equipped. To find out more information about what courses are being offered and to get more information, visit www.uscgaux.org or www.usps.org.

"We've always stressed the importance of having the proper equipment aboard, but the safety of the boat and its passengers is the responsibility of the vessel's operator." said Dan Shipman, Coast Guard Boating Safety Specialist. "The vessel's operator must set the example and make some important choices regarding the safety of passengers, choosing to have everyone wear a life jacket, choosing not to drink and boat, and choosing to make sure their boat is properly equipped and maintained is all a part of being a safe and responsible boater."

For more information about the importance of boating safety contact the 13th Coast Guard District Public Affairs Office at 206-220-7237.