Channel Islands Harbor hosts 14th annual Safe Boating Expo

The theme of this free event, which takes place in Oxnard on May 11, is “Family Fun While Boating Safely.”

OXNARD— Channel Islands Harbor, on Saturday, May 11, will host the 14th annual Safe Boating Expo; the expo runs from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and will take place at the U.S. Coast Guard Station on the harbor’s east side. This year the event theme is “Family Fun While Boating Safely.”

The fun begins when you arrive with a variety of vendor booths and safety demonstrations including the proper use of fire extinguishers and flares.

“Wearing a life jacket is so important for safe boating, and visitors will learn how to don a life jacket as well as which type are best to use,” Henry Goldman, expo chair, said.

There will also be demos regarding proper first aid, safe kayaking, and scuba diving.

“We believe that proper fitting life jackets are so critical that each year we ask you to bring in your old or worn out life jacket and receive a new one while supplies last. Also, the bomb squad will take your out-of-date flares to earn a discount for replacement flares,” Goldman added.

The Safe Boating Expo also provides the opportunity for the public to tour the 87-foot US Coast Guard coastal cutter and a 45-foot response boat. The Coast Guard uses these boats to conduct critical operations for Homeland Security, search and rescue, and fisheries and maritime law enforcement.

Thrilling on-the-water rescue demonstrations take place at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Watch the exiting offshore air, sea, and fire rescue demos 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 host of agency booths and displays 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.

The expo draws as many as 1,000 people each year, so make sure to sign up for the Coast Guard boat tours before May 11 by calling 800-704-5620 or visiting SafeBoatingExpo.com. More information is also available on Facebook (Facebook.com/SafeBoatingExpo) or Twitter (#cisafeboatingexpo).

A food truck will be at the event, offering food and beverages.

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