April 26, 2003 – Air and sea rescues, first aid and cardio-pulmonary resuscitation demonstrations, displays of safety and marine-related gear, mock drug busts in the harbor using a U.S. Customs Service pursuit boat, and more will kick off National Safe Boating Week on St. Thomas on May 17.
"What began as a small activity only four years ago has grown into the largest event of its kind ever held in the Virgin Islands," says Bob Armstrong, public affairs officer for the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary on St. Thomas.
This year's theme is Boat Smart. "Although the central theme of the event is boating safety, it has become much more than that," Armstrong says.
Activities in the St. Thomas harbor from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. will include helicopter rescue drills. On the U.S. Coast Guard Dock, the public will be able to tour a Coast Guard cutter, a 49-foot pursuit boat from the Royal Marine Police on Tortola, and National Park Service chase boats.
Some 20 displays on the dock will include a demonstration of emergency medical care by Virgin Islands Search and Rescue on Tortola. Visitors also will get to see an inflated life raft, lots of flares and safety equipment, and the Coral World mascot. There will be a raffle, entertainment by the V.I. National Guard Band, and free hamburgers, hot dogs and beverages, too.
May 17 this year also is Armed Forces Day. So, it's not just a day "to showcase the assets of the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Customs Service, U.S. Navy, and the Army National Guard," Armstrong says. "It is also the day that our population at large will have the opportunity to say 'thank you' to our men and women in uniform."
For more information, call 776-4673.
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