Education and personal contact a key part of Safe Boating Week for the Santa Barbara Harbor Patrol

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – The entrance to the Santa Barbara Harbor is one area where you can see, in all directions, the need for an educated boating community.

As Safe Boating Week takes place again this year, the efforts are prioritized for information, resources and having personal contact with boaters by the Santa Barbara Harbor Patrol. This can saves lives and avoid injuries.   

It also protects a boater's property and marine life in the area.

"It's safe boating week,  National Safe Boating week, that kicks it off but for us it should be safe boating week every day of the year here," Harbor Patrol Officer Jan Martinez said on board a patrol boat going through the harbor waters.

The week kicked off with a reminded to wear a life vest or have them easily ready on a vessel, and clearly marked for those who are guests.    Each boat owner should make sure boats have the right life vest or personal floatation device, known as a PFD. Martinez said, "I think it is important that you should find a PFD that you like that is comfortable with you and you should have one on the boat for every passenger."

The Harbor Patrol is available to discuss safety, the recent laws, licensing and the unique weather conditions in and around the Santa Barbara harbor.

There are also drills for flares and how to put out a fire the correct way with a fire extinguisher.

The Santa Barbara harbor has more than 1,000 boats in it. In recent years there's been an increase in the popularity of kayaking and paddle boarding which adds to the use of space at the harbor entrance especially on a busy weekend day. At times there can be multiple uses, including visiting vessels, maritime researches and cruise ships.

"Sailboats, fishing boats, motor boats,  we have small inflatable boats,  we have paddle boards. prone paddle boards, kayaks, double kayaks.  On any weekend during the summer everybody's out boating."

Speed in the harbor is a concern with so much going on. "Inside the harbor here it's five knots or less,  no wake.   If you are going five knots with a wake you still got to slow down, " said Martinez.

Even experienced boaters should, "know the weather before you head out. It's a must before you head out especially out to the islands or the channel," said Martinez. "For some people boating is new and so it is our job to educate them to make sure they have the right equipment."

Getting along whether you are new or an old salty dog veteran he says, "hhave a little bit of  patience with the new kayakers and  paddle boarders. They're learning just as most boaters are they are off to the side. A little bit of patience goes a long way. "

For more information go to: The Santa Barbara Harbor Patrol