Channel Islands Harbor to host 13th annual Safe Boating Expo

OXNARD — Channel Islands Harbor will host the 13th annual Safe Boating Expo, May 12, at the U.S. Coast Guard Station in Oxnard.

“Choose to Boat Safely” is the theme of this year’s event. Festivities start as soon as you enter the expo, with several safety demos offered. Attendees will also learn the proper way to use a fire extinguisher and flares, why wearing a life jacket is so important and which types to purchase or wear.

Also, there will be demonstrations on proper first aid, safe kayaking and scuba diving.

“We want to emphasize the importance of proper safety equipment and one of the most important pieces of safety gear is your life jacket. Bring in your old worn out life jacket and receive a new one while supplies last. Give the bomb squad your out-of-date flares and earn a discount to buy replacement flares,” Expo Chair Henry Goldman said.

During the 13th annual Safe Boating Expo, the public will be able to tour the U.S. Coast Guard’s 87-foot cutter and a 45-foot emergency response boat. These crafts are critical to search and rescue, maritime law enforcement, Homeland Security and, of course, the highly skilled first responders we all count on in a marine-related emergency.

Thrilling air, sea and fire rescue demonstrations with take place at 11 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. by the Ventura County Sheriff’s Rescue Squad, Channel Islands Harbor Patrol, Ventura County Fire, Oxnard Fire, U.S. Coast Guard helicopter and Gold Coast Ambulance.

There will also be a variety of agency booths and hands-on exhibits including, Ventura County Fire, Oxnard Fire, Navy League, Ventura Sheriff Rescue, Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary, National Weather Service, Channel Islands National Park, the Red Cross, Coast Guard Auxiliary, Ventura Sail and Power Squadron, Channel Islands Harbor Patrol, National Parks Rangers, the Department of Fish and Wildlife, Vessel Assist and more.

“Each year over 1,000 visitors join in on this fun and informative event,” Goldman said.

To tour the Coast Guard vessels, just sign up online at SafeBoatingExpo.com. Call 800-704-5620 or visit facebook.com/SafeBoatingExpo for more information.

The expo runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the U.S. Coast Guard Station, which is located on the east of Channel Islands Harbor at 4201 S. Victoria Avenue in Oxnard.

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