US Coast Guard Auxiliary Venice Florida 86

11/30/2022

One of the many reasons to enjoy about Florida.

Be like Dave. Winterize your boat.

We understand that winterizing your boat can be upsetting as it signifies the end of a great boating season. However, it is an important step to making sure that the next time you put your boat in the water it is just as safe as it was the last time.

Here are some tips when winterizing your boat.

➡️ Make sure to inspect each personal floatation device (PFD) closely and discard of all that
show damage. Replace your discarded PFDs with other U.S. Coast Guard approved PFDs. Before storage, ensure that they are dry and clean. Store your PFDs in a well ventilated environment to prevent mildew and mold.

➡️ Ensure that all water is drained from your vessel. Dispose of bilge water and drain any fresh water tanks, fittings, and lines. During this process, make sure to inspect any plugs and seals for good condition.

➡️ Remove and store as much as possible indoors. This will make more room for cleaning and any repairs as well as make it easier to inspect all of your safety gear.

➡️ Make sure to secure or remove all small vessels near the water, particularly kayaks and row boats. If your vessel becomes loose and adrift, it could become an expensive search and rescue case. The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary provides “if found” stickers that can typically be found at public outreach events. These are very important to use in the event that your small vessel does become lost and makes it easier for officials to contact you.

Photo courtesy of safeboatingcampaign.org

11/23/2022

Please support the key missions of the Coast Guard Auxiliary—‘America’s Volunteer Guardians’ a ‘Workforce Multiplier’ of the USCG and a major partner of ‘Team Coast Guard’. The Auxiliary Association is proud to financially support our many USCG Auxiliary service, environmental and life saving missions. Remember our U.S. Coast Guard Volunteers and service veterans—who put others before self.

Explore all of our donation options at cgauxa.org to provide support to your volunteer lifesavers. Photo: Roger Bazeley PA1

11/21/2022

A float plan is needed! A float plan is as simple as telling a responsible person where you will be going and when you’ll be back. With fewer other boats on the water after Labor Day, a float plan ensures rescuers will be notified if you ever fail to check back in after your outing.

11/19/2022

Boaters should check the weather frequently before and during their boating excursion, keeping an eye on current conditions and later forecast. They should heed any warnings, and avoid navigating in those areas.

10/19/2022

Remember, it's dark earlier, so plan accordingly.

Social media posts, infographics, and more for your outreach efforts: https://safeboatingcampaign.com/resources/fall-winter-partner-toolkit/

10/04/2022

🛥️🛥️The Crossing Rule🛥️🛥️
Both International and Inland Rules state that when two power-driven vessels are crossing so as to involve risk of collision, the vessel which has the other on her starboard side (the give-way vessel) must keep out of the way. At night, you need to change your course if you see a red light crossing right-to-left in front of you. If you see a green light crossing from left to right, you are the stand-on vessel and should maintain course and speed.

🛥️🛥️The Meeting Situation🛥️🛥️
You should assume that it is a meeting situation, in which neither vessel has a clear-cut "right-of-way," and each must act to avoid the other. Each vessel in a meeting situation must alter course to starboard so that each will pass on the port side of the other. At night, you will recognize a head-on meeting situation if you see both red and green side lights at the same time.

🛥️🛥️The Overtaking Situation🛥️🛥️
Any vessel overtaking any other vessel must keep out the way of the vessel being overtaken. This rule applies even if the overtaking vessel is propelled by wind, oars, or rubber band paddlewheel.

A vessel is deemed to be overtaking when coming up with another vessel from a direction more than 22.5 degrees abaft (behind) her beam. This is the angle prescribed by the stern light. At night, the overtaking vessel will see only the white stern light of the vessel being overtaken. If you see either side light, it is a crossing situation.

Text and image from our partner BoatUS.

09/29/2022

We hope everyone is doing ok after Irma and that damage is minimal. Thoughts and prayers ro everyone impacted by this devastating hurricane.

08/11/2022

Operating a boat under the influence of alcohol is a federal offense. Each state may also have its own penalties for drinking and driving a boat in state-controlled waters.

07/28/2022

06/23/2022

06/17/2022

OPERATION DRY WATER
July 2 - 4, 2022

What is Operation Dry Water?

Operation Dry Water is a national outreach and enforcement campaign with the goal of spreading awareness about the dangers of boating under the influence (BUI) and removing impaired operators from our nation’s waterways.

When is Operation Dry Water (ODW)?

Operation Dry Water is a year-round outreach and awareness campaign that coordinates a national heightened awareness and enforcement campaign annually. This three day national enforcement campaign focuses on boating under the influence and is held near the Fourth of July holiday. This year the ODW weekend is July 2 - 4, 2022.

Who is coordinating this campaign?

The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA), working with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies across the nation, as well as the U.S. Coast Guard.

What is NASBLA?

The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators is a national nonprofit organization that helps to develop public policy for recreational boating safety. NASBLA represents the recreational boating authorities of all 50 states and the U.S. territories. Visit nasbla.org for more information.

What can I do as a recreational boater to get involved?

On the Operation Dry Water website, you can find flyers, brochures, social media information, Facebook cover photos and more! Please help us spread the word about the dangers of boating under the influence.

What are participating law enforcement agencies asked to do?

Law enforcement agencies that participate in Operation Dry Water are asked to increase BUI enforcement during the targeted enforcement weekend of Operation Dry Water as well as work with their local media, businesses and recreational boaters to spread the
message and raise awareness of the dangers of boating under the influence.

There are many downloadable and electronic outreach
resources available for free on the Operation Dry Water website at
operationdrywater.org.

Get more information:

Operation Dry Water: Operationdrywater.org
ODW Facebook: facebook.com/OperationDryWater
ODW Twitter: twitter.com/opdrywater
USCG Boating Safety Division: uscgboating.org

"The Operation Dry Water campaign is coordinated nationally by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and is produced under a grant from the Sport Fist
Restoration and Boating Trust Fund administered by the U.S. Coast Guard."