District 11 Public Affairs
Alameda, Calif.

Date: July 18, 2008

Contact: Petty Officer Kevin J. Neff,  (510) 289-2256

Coast Guard, Partners To Hold Press Conference On Boating Safety Prior to Festival of Sail

WHO: Coast Guard Sector San Francisco along with its partners the San Francisco Police Department and the California Department of Boating and Waterways

WHAT:  A press conference will be held to discuss security/safety zones for the 2008 Festival of Sail on San Francisco Bay from July 23-27, along with general boating safety information.  Representatives from California Boating and Waterways will be on hand to discuss 2007 statistics on injuries and fatalities on California waterways and the importance of wearing a lifejacket.  The San Francisco Police will also be available to provide information on street closures and security information along the San Francisco waterfront.

WHEN:  Monday, July 21, 2008 at 9 a.m.

WHERE:  Pier 7, San Francisco

EDITORS NOTE:  The Coast Guard would like to thank the Bay Area media outlets for helping us get the boating safety message out prior to the July 4th weekend.  As a result of the media coverage of the Coast Guard/ San Francisco Police Department press conference on July 3rd, there was approximately 30 percent fewer cases over the holiday weekend compared to the same period in 2007.  The Coast Guard, The California Department of Boating and Waterways, the San Francisco Police, and all of the Bay Area partners ask that the media please continue their support in spreading our message of safety on the water.  Together we can reduce the injuries and fatalities on California's waterways. 

  Visit www.uscgboating.org for information on safe boating.