* In 2010, Coast Guard boating safety statistics indicate 237 paddlers either died or were injured while paddling on our nation's waters. Of those, 141 died from drowning and 13 died from other causes.
* As a reminder, there must be one life jacket on board every vessel for each person on board, and this includes canoes, kayaks, rowboats, dinghys, motorboats, sailboats, and PADDLEBOARDS! If the vessel is less than 21 feet in length, anyone onboard under 13 years of age must WEAR the lifejacket while the vessel is underway.
* The US Coast Guard Auxiliary offers safe boating classes, including the 8- or 13-week Boating and Seamanship, GPS for Mariners, Navigation, PaddleSafe, and other courses. A passing grade in many of these courses results in the issue of a Maryland Safe Boating card. These courses will be offered in the Annapolis area throughout the year. If your community, school, yacht club, or marina would like to schedule classes, please contact us through our website.
* US Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 23-01 meets the third Thursday of the month at Coast Guard Station Annapolis at 7:30PM. All are welcome, and membership is open to those 17 years of age or older.
* For further information about membership, courses, or to receive a free Vessel Safety Check or PaddleSmart ID sticker, go to www.AnnapolisCGAux.org
Submitted by Caryl P. Weiss, Public Affairs Officer
US Coast Guard Auxiliary
SO-PA, 5SR-23; FSO-PA, 23-01
