Boating safety
3 June, 2019
Jim Wengerd
Publications Officer
jwuscgaux@gmail.com
(630) 440-6987
News Release
Attention Fox Lake Waterway Boaters
Fox Lake, Illinois. The 2019 recreational boating season is in full swing, and fortunately, you won't be on the water alone. USCG Auxiliary's Fox Lake Flotilla will be on the waterway as a resource to boaters . We lookout for hazards on the water (i.e.: floating debris), boaters behaving dangerously, and for anyone who has questions. We are here to help you be safe while you're enjoying the water.
A first step toward being a safe boater is to take advantage of an annual free Vessel Safety Check (VSC). During your VSC, the examiner reviews with you (the boater) both the required items to have on board inorder to comply with the federal and state laws and the recommended important equipment in case of an emergency. This dock-side safety check takes a few minutes and can alert you to real and potential problems with your boat or safety equipment. Upon successful completion, the vessel is awarded the VSC decal for display on his/her watercraft. Should the vessel be missing any item(s), those will be noted on the checklist. Not to worry, the Auxiliary doesn't issue citations and gladly returns for a quick re-check once those discrepancies are resolved.
Most weekends, we operate at the McDonald's boat dock in Fox Lake. Having an annual VSC is a great way to keep your family safe, know your safety equipment is likely to be in good order should you need it, and display to local law enforcement that you're making an effort to be a safe boater. If you would like a VSC at another place or time, please contact us through our website: www.uscgafoxlake.com Have a save and fun boating season!
The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary created by an Act of Congress in 1939 is the uniformed civilian component of the U.S. Coast Guard supporting the Coast Guard in nearly all its missions. For more information on the Coast Guard Auxiliary, please visit cgaux.org