Redondo Beach’s Waterfront Education to host Boating Safety Day

REDONDO BEACH ― King Harbor Boating Foundation’s Waterfront Education is holding its 3rd annual Boating Safety Day, May 20, in Redondo Beach. This is the only event in Los Angeles County where boaters will be able to actually practice setting off flares and be able to get rid of expired ones.

The Coast Guard will be demonstrating how to deploy visual distress signals. Safety equipment – welding gloves, welding vests, eye protection and ear protection – will be available to safely practice setting off a hand-held flare or shoot an aerial flare.

Boaters are encouraged to bring their expired flares. The used flares will be turned over to the proper authorities for proper disposal.

“Last year we collected about 280 flares, and we are hoping for more this year,” Steve Caldero, Boat Safety and Event Director for Waterfront Education, told The Log.

State of California-issued life jackets will be provided for an exchange. Boaters can bring their old life jacket (one per boat) to be exchanged for a new life jacket.

This event will have a fire extinguisher company demonstrating how to use marine fire extinguishers.

Small fire extinguishers usually seen on boats only last four to seven seconds, according to Caldero, so a boat should either have a lot of little fire extinguishers or bigger ones.

West Marine will have a table with various marine safety products as well.

Boating Safety Day is taking place on Saturday, May 20 at Moonstone Park, 280 Marina Way, Redondo Beach, California 90277 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Those participating must be 18 years or older.

For more information, go online at waterfronteducation.org/boat-safety or contact Caldero at mistrsea@aol.com.

Sabrina Caldero photo