The US Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary are preparing to help you enjoy your holiday weekend on the water without issues. The US Coast Guard will be doing extra patrolling on the water. With the extra crowding expected, they will be trying to ensure safety and rules compliance. A key thing they’ll look out for is impaired driving. There aren’t open container laws for passengers on the boat, but the drivers are under the same blood alcohol concentration regulations that they are in an automobile. 

USCG Auxiliary Flotilla Commander in Sturgeon Bay and Algoma Jeff Feuerstein says they want you to enjoy the water this weekend but also to be safe. He notes the risks you have to be mindful of for independence day and other holiday weekends. 

The Coast Guard Auxiliary will be helping boaters know their vessels are safe. If you’re on a boat, Feuerstein advises you and other passengers to look out for each other, especially if drinking alcoholic beverages while riding. He adds that some of the factors that come with drinking on a boat and in the sun can magnify the effects of being intoxicated. 

Though there is limited time before the holiday activities ensue, Feuerstein suggests getting a vessel safety check if you haven’t yet this season. You can do that by calling him at 920-450-6069 or emailing him at jefffeuerstein@hotmail.com