San Juan, Puerto Rico - The Coast Guard Auxiliary will be holding a press conference at Coast Guard Base San Juan 10 a.m. Thursday, to announce the start of National Safe Boating Week NSBW 2006.

During NSBW, May 19-26, the Coast Guard Auxiliary is hosting eight separate events throughout Puerto Rico from May 19-21.

NSBW highlights include events that will promote boating safety.  Coast Guard Auxiliary units will be providing boating courses, information booths to promote safety, courtesy vessel safety checks for recreational vessels, and water safety seminars for children.  Other events will include the presentation of a proclamation stating May as the National Safe Boating month, the proper use of safety equipment, the importance of wearing a personal flotation device, a Coast Guard search and rescue helicopter and cutter demonstration, and boat displays among others.

The Coast Guard Auxiliary is producing 20 vessel safety signs that will be posted in ramps and marinas around the island and will be formally presented to the media during the press conference.  The Coast Guard Auxiliary seeks to maintain 24/7 boaters informed about their FREE Vessel Safety Checks program.  The signs list 15 federal requirements that boaters need to pass a safety inspection and receive a Vessel Safety Check decal.

Members of the media are reminded to bring their press credentials in order to access the Coast Guard Base.  To access the Coast Guard Base the media needs to contact Ricardo Castrodad, Coast Guard Sector San Juan Public Affairs Specialist at (787) 510-7923.