Boaters urged to have life saving equipment onboard

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Gov. Lemanu Peleti Palepoi Sialega Mauga has proclaimed the week of May 22nd to May 28, 2021 to be “Safe Boating Week” in the Territory, saying each year lives and property are needlessly lost or damaged in boating accidents, many of which result from lack of basic knowledge of boating and ocean safety.

Additionally, numerous government agencies, private groups, and community organizations work to educate vessel operators about ocean safety principles by offering safe boating courses, conducting safety displays at harbors, boat ramps, examining boats for safety equipment and taking part in other activities to keep American Samoa waters safe.

Furthermore, it’s important for all persons to know that life jackets save lives when properly worn, and carrying proper safety equipment on board a vessel, including a VHF Radio or EPIRB, can also save lives.

And always remembering to leave a float plan with a relative, friend, or neighbor can do much to take the “Search” out of Search and Rescue.

“I urge all boaters to wear a lifejacket, carry a VHF radio, obtain safe boating education and to utilize” the services of Public Safety Department’s Marine Patrol Division, US Guard Coast and US Coast Guard Auxiliary “in practicing safe boating,” the governor said in his May 11th 2021 National Safe Boating Week.