The daytime sky will light up with demonstrations of the use of marine flares at the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Sector Long Island Sound, 120 Woodward Avenue, New Haven, CT on Saturday, May 20, 2017 from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. as part of their Open House that kicks off National Safe Boating Week. The event is free and open to the public. USCG will collect expired flares and present a marine flare demonstration throughout the day.  
   
Join Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) at the U.S Coast Guard open house.  Displays, demonstrations and activities set up by the USCG and other public safety agencies include tours of USCG patrol vessels, life jacket demonstrations, kayak and paddlecraft safety demos, water safety tips, navigation rule reminders, USCG Academy information, and enjoy their bake sale along with food and beverages.
 

Staff from DEEP’s Boating Division will assist the USCG by collecting expired pyrotechnical marine visual distress signals -- handheld flares and aerial devices – at this event.   Staff will instruct participants on how to use flares and provide legal practice opportunities for old flares that participants are encouraged to bring to the event. 
 

“DEEP recommends not waiting until an emergency takes place to learn how to use marine flares. If you have never used a pyrotechnical marine visual distress signal before, you do not want to practice when your life may depend upon it,” said Susan Whalen, DEEP Deputy Commissioner. “Being familiar with the use of your safety equipment before an emergency occurs is a key component of your safety. Come to this event and learn how to safely use your flares and practice legally with your old flares before you have an emergency.”
 

If you want more information or have any questions, contact Mark Chanski at (860) 447-4371, by email – mark.chanski@ct.gov or send a message using our Facebook page, Boating In Connecticut, www.facebook.com/boatinginconnecticut or Twitter@CTBoatingInfo.