Coast Guard prepares for Safe Boating Expo

The U.S. Coast Guard Station in the Channel Islands Harbor is preparing to open its gates to the public Saturday.

The Coast Guard is hosting its 8th annual Safe Boating Expo.

Lt. Chris Miller, the station commander, said recent statistics show that most boating fatalities are drownings and that most boating accident victims were not wearing Coast Guard approved life jackets.

On Saturday, the Coast Guard Auxiliary will be trading new life jackets for old ones with the first 30 visitors. They will also be replacing expired flares with new ones.

And if you don’t know how to use emergency equipment, required on every boat, there will be hands-on demonstrations.

Harbor Patrol officers, firefighters and Sheriff’s deputies will also join the Coast Guard in a few lifesaving drills.

Due to government sequestration cuts, there will not be any rides on Coast Guard boats this year, but there will be free boat tours at the dock.

National Safe Boating Week starts May 19.

For more information log onto www.safeboatingexpo.com or www.facebook.com/safeboating expo.