Chicago: Boating Industry Stakeholders Kick Off National Safe Boating Week

City Officials, Coast Guard and Boating Industry Stakeholders Kick Off National Safe Boating Week

CFD Marine Unit to demo helicopter water rescue

WHO: OEMC Executive Director Gary Schenkel, U.S. Coast Guard Rear Admiral Michael Parks, Chicago Police and Chicago Fire Marine Units, and members of the local boating industry

WHAT: National Safe Boating Week Kick-Off Press Conference to promote water safety on Lake Michigan and Chicago River

WHERE: East end of Navy Pier by anchor Rain location: Grand Ballroom, also at East end of Navy Pier

WHEN: Monday, May 20, 2013 at 10:15 a.m.

***VISUAL/B-ROLL: The Chicago Fire Department helicopter crew will conduct a water rescue demonstration.

WHY: To promote a safe and enjoyable summer on Chicago’s waterways. According to Coast Guard statistics, 651 boaters died on our nation’s waterways in 2012. Among those, the 379 of the 459 who drowned were not wearing a life jacket. Small recreational vessels, including paddle craft, are the most vulnerable – 7 of every 10 boaters who drowned were using boats less than 21 feet in length. Alcohol use is the leading contributing factor in fatal boating accidents – it’s responsible for 17% of boater deaths—and vessel collisions are the most frequent accident type.

ADDITIONAL INTERVIEW/B-ROLL OPPORTUNITY: FREE Vessel Safety Checks and Boat Safety Courses from the Coast Guard Auxiliary

WHO: Members of the Coast Guard Auxiliary

WHAT: As National Boat Safety Week kicks-off, the US Coast Guard Auxiliary will discuss FREE  vessel examinations and boat safety information classes that are available to the public  in locations conveniently located across the region.

WHEN: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

WHERE: Burnham Harbor

WHY: The free events increase safety, ensure compliance for a safe and fun summer boating season.

• A Vessel Safety Check is your best way of learning about problems that  might put you in violation of state or federal laws or, worse, create danger  for you or your passengers on the water.

• Many boating safety courses are offered throughout the area, for all types  of recreational boaters, and for boaters of all ages. Courses cover many  aspects of boating safety, from boat handling to reading the weather, and  from a “Water ‘N Kids” class to  courses for boaters who want to learn  electronic navigation skills.