POULSBO — Picture this: You and your family, friends or loved ones are out for a nice, leisurely summertime cruise on the water. The calm breeze is a welcome addition to the warm summer weather, but suddenly in that breeze you catch the smell of smoke. A fire has somehow broken out below deck and you have only a matter of seconds to react. What do you do? Are you adequately prepared with the skills and equipment necessary to address boating emergencies? Find out during the Port of Poulsbo’s Boating Safety Day.
The free event, held on Saturday, June 9, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. will offer visitors to the Port of Poulsbo the opportunity to check their preparedness for emergencies on the water as well as learn new, practical skills to keep them and their loved ones safe while underway this coming boating season.
Visitors can hone their “Seaskills” like docking with spring lines, pumping out, provisioning for a long cruise, knot tying, navigation rules and responding to emergencies while underway. Participants will be able to learn how to use a fire extinguisher and flares.
Be sure to bring the kids along, too. There will be a youth poster contest, and an appearance by PFD Seagull as part of the Boating Safety 4 Kids program. Youngsters also will have the opportunity to tour Walter (Washington’s All-equipped Law Enforcement Training and Education Resource boat).
Organizers also noted the Coast Guard will demonstrate a helicopter water rescue during the event (depending on weather and availability).
Vessel safety checks will be conducted for those who wish to bring their boats and ensure they are properly outfitted with the necessary safety equipment. Vessels with all of the required equipment will receive a current Marine Safety Inspection decal.
The event is being held in cooperation with numerous groups including the Port of Poulsbo, U.S. Power Squadrons District 16, Poulsbo Fire Department, Poulsbo Police Department, the U.S. Coast Guard and the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission.
—Nick Twietmeyer is a reporter with Kitsap News Group. Nick can be reached at ntwietmeyer@soundpublishing.com
