KEEP YOUR BOAT AFLOAT AND SAFE @ YOUR LIBRARY

As part of the local observance of National Safe Boating Week, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 79 is offering a unique and information-packed Boating Safety Course "Sampler" and Vessel Safety Check for boat owners and passengers at the Jan Kaminis Platt Regional Library on Thursday, May 14, 2009 at 6:30 pm.

The sampler is an overview of the "must-have" information boat owners need to be safe on the water and that is presented in the Auxiliary’s full Boating Skills & Seamanship Program. Sampler topics include:

· Boat Handling Techniques · Required Safety Equipment · Navigation Basics · Boat Trailering · Rules of the Nautical Road · Highway Signs on the Water · Marine Radio Use · Maritime Domain Security Awareness

In addition, Auxiliarists will be available to provide Vessel Safety Checks in the library’s north parking lot. Residents can bring trailer-able boats for the free, 15-minute inspections that determine the presence of federal/state required documentation, safety equipment and overall vessel condition. Passing vessels receive a VSC decal; citations are not issued for missing/expired items.

For more information about this and other FREE programs @ your library®, please call (813) 273-3652 or visit hcplc.org.