Editor’s Note: Media interested in attending are requested to RSVP with first and last names of individuals no later than 5 p.m. Tuesday by contacting Coast Guard Oceania District External Affairs at hawaiipacific@uscg.mil or (808) 265-7748. This information is needed to arrange access to Marine Corps Base Hawaii.
WHO: Coast Guard Station Honolulu, Joint Rescue Coordination Center Honolulu
WHAT: Coast Guard representatives will discuss boating safety, display equipment, and provide a boat ride-along for media
WHEN: Saturday, May 23, 9 to 10:30 a.m.
WHERE: Marine Corps Base Hawaii Marina, 1 D St., Kailua, HI 96734
HONOLULU — Coast Guard Station Honolulu and Joint Rescue Coordination Center Honolulu personnel are scheduled to hold a media event at the Marine Corps Base Hawaii Marina in Kailua, Hawaii, May 23.
During the event, Coast Guard personnel will provide interviews to promote boating safety during Memorial Day Weekend.
Additionally, a Station Honolulu boat crew will offer a boat ride for media members, demonstrating safe boating practices. Media attending the boat ride should wear closed-toe shoes.
This event also supports National Safe Boating Week, an annual effort to raise public awareness of important lifesaving tips for recreational boaters.
The Coast Guard urges all boaters to adhere to the following recommendations to help ensure safe boating:
- Always wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket while underway. In 2024, In 2024, 75% of boating deaths were due to drowning and 87% of those victims were not wearing a life jacket.
- Use a marine VHF radio. A cell phone may go out of range or run out of battery power when you need it most. Familiarize yourself with how to use and properly maintain your radio.
- Locator beacons help us find you faster. Attaching a functioning EPIRB to your boat or a personal locator beacon to your life jacket and knowing how to use them can help rescuers find and help you. Make sure your beacon is properly registered under your name with your current contact information.
- File a float plan. Tell someone where you’re going and when you’ll be back. If you don’t return when expected, first responders have information to aid in search efforts.
- Alcohol is the leading contributing factor in fatal boating accidents. Impaired operators can face harsh civil and criminal penalties. Impaired passengers are much more likely to be a liability than an asset in an emergency.
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