On May 20, members of Coast Guard Auxiliary Kona Flotilla were on hand to offer vessel safety checks and pass out safe boating and safe paddling information at Honokohau Small Boat Harbor. The annual National Safe Boating Week, this year from May 20-26, was sponsored by the National Safe Boating Council and other nationwide safe boating organization.
The courtesy safety checks made sure vessels had the federal and state required safety equipment on board as well as other safety equipment.
The Kona flotilla also offers paddlecraft inspections, basic paddlecraft safety classes, informational brochures and “If Found” stickers that will help paddlers and the Coast Guard both if a paddleboard, surfboard or kayak is found unmanned.
The auxiliary teaches required boater safety courses. Even children learn safe practices at sea with the help of the fleet’s smallest vessel, Coastie the Safety Boat.