ST. THOMAS -- The Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR) has planned events from May 16-22 in celebration of National Safe Boating Week (NSBW), as part of its yearly efforts to encourage best practices in the local boating industry.
DPNR's Division of Environmental Enforcement (DEE), in collaboration with the Coast Guard Auxiliary, has organized several events here and on St. John that aims to educate the boating community.
Events will be held at the following locations:
John Brewers Beach -- May 16, Opening Ceremony and Fun Day Yacht Haven Grande -- May 18, Outreach & Display Hibiscus Learning Center -- May 19, Boating Safety Presentation Gift Hill School, St. John -- May 20, Boating Safety Presentation Crown Bay Marina -- May 21 - 22, Boarding and safety Checks
DPNR's Acting Director of DEE, Howard Forbes Sr., encouraged all boaters and residents to take advantage of the educational information disseminated and services provided during Boating Week.
There will be games, swimming classes, lunch, and other exciting activities for the entire family at the fun day event.
According to DPNR, the most recent Coast Guard report revealed that more than 4,000 recreational boating accidents occurred in 2013, resulting in 560 deaths and more than 2,600 injuries. The statistical data also confirms that many of these boaters and their passengers were not wearing their life jackets.
In light of the latest numbers, DEE is urging the boating community to take seriously the information, and said just it's important for motorists to wear seat belts, boaters should exercise the same safety practice and wear life jackets.
For more information, you can contact Isheba James, MPA (Conservation Enforcement Officer) at 774-3320.
Feature Image: Crown Bay Marina, St. Thomas
Image Credit: Panoramio
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