BI Boater’s Fair all about safety, preparedness

The annual Bainbridge Island Boater’s Fair at Waterfront Park and Dock was a hub of activity June 10 where visitors learned about life, work and play on the water with an emphasis on safe boating and emergency preparedness.

The BI Police Department’s Marine Services Unit’s 33-foot SAFE boat was dockside along with the 87-foot US Coast Guard Cutter SEA FOX and the Sea Scouts ship Yankee Clipper. Visitors were able to climb aboard different boats, take short rides on BI Metro Parks & Recreation sailboats and watch a helicopter water rescue demonstration by the Coast Guard.

The Coast Guard Auxiliary, Bainbridge Prepares were there, and the Washington Military Department Emergency Management Division shared tsunami preparedness information.

The Tsunami Program coordinator Dante’ DiSabatino said the most important thing people can do now is sign up for alerts to receive tsunami warnings. Also, you can learn your hazards and know where you are and where to take your vessel. Second, make a plan for you and your crew while you’re on water and onshore and practice that plan. Know how to tie your vessel and how to contact local harbor emergency crews. And third, build a preparedness kit to survive for the first three days of an emergency and store at least two weeks of emergency supplies outside the induction zone.

Learn more about tsunami preparedness at mil.wa.cob/tsunami.

Visitors were able to see the Bainbridge Island Police Department SAFE boat in Eagle Harbor.
The Bainbridge Island Metro Parks & Recreation District offered rides in a sailboat.