Coast Guard keeps New York waters safe over the holiday weekend

NEW YORK (PIX11) — As we commemorate our country on the Fourth of July, we are also celebrating the top military unit on water and the largest permanent unit in the New York region.

PIX11 News got a behind the scenes look with the United States Coast Guard on one of the most important weekends of the summer.

The boarding officer, Charles Beissel, from Forest Hills, say it is an honor to protect the waters that he grew up in. His team conducts what are called safety boardings, which are part of a national initiative called Operation Dry Water .

Operation Dry Water is a boating under the influence awareness and enforcement campaign, with increased awareness and enforcement from July 4-6.

The initiative is one of the biggest operations the Coast Guard conducts throughout the year. The Coast Guard wants everyone to have fun this holiday weekend and reminds boaters of their motto Semper Paratus , which means they are always ready.

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