May 22, 2009 — With "Wear It" the theme, Safe Boating Week is celebrated Monday on St. Croix and St. John. The theme refers to life vests, the all-important don't-leave-the-dock-without-it-on rule that's often ignored.
"It's important because it saves live. If for any reason, you go overboard, it keeps you afloat. It keeps your head above water so you can breathe until rescue comes," said Robert Marcy, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary's public affairs officer.
On St. Croix, activities kick off at 11 a.m. at Frederiksted Pier. They run until 4 p.m. In addition to demonstrations on how and why to wear a life vest, the event features complimentary food and drinks for those attending. Marcy said children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to get free food and drinks.
"It's a big, fun event and educational," Marcy said.
The Coast Guard Cutter Reef Shark, which homeports in Puerto Rico but plies V.I. waters, will tie up at the pier and, the crew will provide tours. Additionally, a helicopter will demonstrate rescue at sea. Instructions on how to make distress calls, tie knots, sail and kayak are also on the program.
In addition to the Coast Guard Auxiliary, Marcy said the Coast Guard, the Planning and Natural Resources Department and the U.S. Power Squadron will be on hand. He said that numerous St. Croix organizations and businesses are contributing to the event.
On St. John, Safe Boating Week will be celebrated at Hawksnest Bay from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
"We'll go through the five different types of floatation devices," Winnie Powell, who serves as public information officer for the St. John Coast Guard Auxiliary flotilla, said.
Some of those are no longer legal to be used, but some boaters still have them on board, Powell said.
Since the celebration is at the beach, Powell said kids will be able to try out life vests in the water to see how they feel when they're on.
Planning will be on hand with their boats and a picnic is planned, Powell said.
On St. Thomas, the Coast Guard Auxiliary set up shop Thursday and Friday at Yacht Haven Grande marina to pass out information about safe boating, member David Willems said.
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