Ninth Coast Guard District and Air Station Traverse City officials will provide more than 150 boaters from the local area with boater safety information and emphasize the importance of emergency equipment, procedures, and survival techniques as the winter season quickly approaches. 

A portion of the convention and conference will include a mass casualty raft deployment.  Local residents may see Coast Guard members, their emergency equipment and life rafts, and a Coast Guard Helicopter operating in West Bay.

The Coast Guard reminds all boaters to file a float plan with family members and friends detailing their trip and to notify them immediately of any changes or delays that should occur.  Additionally, all boaters are strongly encouraged to have on-board a marine-band radio, an emergency position-indicating radio beacon (EPIRB), and an emergency signaling device such as distress flares or a strobe light.  

Additionally, boaters should always be prepared for an emergency by dressing appropriately for the environment and wearing a life jacket, at all times, while underway.

More information on boating safety can be found at http://www.uscgboating.org/.

For media inquiries or additional information, contact Lt. j.g. Chris Yane at (231) 922-8273.

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