SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- Summer is on it's way, and the Coast Guard wants to make sure every mariner is safe.
Coast Guard Station South Portland, along with their Auxiliary and local paddle sport specialists, held an open house Saturday. People could learn and take part in boat safety checks, paddling demonstrations and flare displays. The day was focused on safety, and rescuers want to be sure boaters think of marine safety every time they hit the water.
"As we move into the early part of the summer, keep in mind that the water is still dangerously cold," Lt. Nick Barrows said. "So for the paddle craft operators it's important that they dress for the water temperature, not necessarily the air temperature, and be prepared for that submersion in that water."
The Coast Guard also wants to be sure all paddle craft have waterproof tags in their cockpit. They enable rescue personnel to contact the owner of a boat found adrift, thus ruling out a need for a missing person search.
NEWS CENTER