Free boating safety checks

The Coast Guard Auxiliary’s Vessel Safety Check Team will be at Moss Marina on Saturday, May 18, from 9 a.m. until noon. COURTESY PHOTO

The Coast Guard Auxiliary’s Vessel Safety Check (VSC) Team will be at Moss Marina on Fort Myers Beach on Saturday, May 18, conducting checks to make sure boaters are safe.

The checks will be held from 9 a.m. until noon. The free service could prevent boat owners from being fined by local law enforcement while operating their boats on the water without the proper equipment.

“We welcome the opportunity to inform boat owners on safe boating practices while checking their boat for potential problems,” stated Robert Guenthner, the Flotilla Commander of the Fort Myers Beach Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla. “The Auxiliary does not issue citations for violations, but rather provide recommendations and insight on how to stay out of trouble. Boats that comply receive an annual VSC Decal, which demonstrates their commitment to safe boating.”

Ensuring boat safety isn’t just about compliance—it’s about protecting yourself, your passengers and your investment. Getting a safety check on your boat provides invaluable peace of mind, knowing that your vessel meets the highest standards for safety and regulatory compliance. By undergoing a thorough safety check, you’ll identify any potential issues or hazards that could compromise your safety on the water, allowing you to address them proactively. Whether verifying the integrity of your safety equipment, assessing your navigation lights, or confirming the general condition of your vessel, a safety check is a crucial step in safeguarding against accidents and ensuring smooth sailing. Don’t leave safety to chance—take control of your boating experience and schedule a safety check for your boat today. Your peace of mind and the well-being of everyone on board are worth it.

Moss Marina is pleased to host this important event as part of National Safe Boating Week. National Safe Boating Week runs from May 18 to May 24.

This essential annual campaign aims to raise awareness about safe boating practices and the importance of wearing life jackets.

The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary is the uniformed auxiliary service of the United States Coast Guard created by Congress in 1939. It comprises 26,000 members who volunteer to support the operation of the Coast Guard, promote and improve recreational boating safety, and provide trained crews and facilities to enhance the safety and security of US ports, waterways, and coastal regions. It is the civilian component of the U.S. Coast Guard and supports the Coast Guard in nearly all mission areas. For more information, please visit www.cgaux.org . ¦

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