National Safe Boating Week, May 21-27, is a good time to refresh on safe and responsible boating and make sure you have all safety measure in place before heading out. Boaters and their families are invited to attend the Safe Boating Open House at U.S. Coast Guard Station Channel Islands on Saturday, May 21 where local organizations and public safety agencies will be onsite to provide information on the latest in boating safety.

The Safe Boating Open House at U.S. Coast Guard Station Channel Islands will take place from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at 4201 S. Victoria Ave. in Oxnard.

The event is free to the public and Coast Guard boats will be open for tours on a 45-foot response boat and on the 87-foot Coast Guard Cutter Blacktip. Come see the offshore USCG helicopter rescue demonstration in coordination with Channel Islands Harbor Patrol to be held at 12 p.m.

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary members will provide recreational boaters with opportunities to register for safe boating classes and learn about getting the California Boater Card. Boaters may also reserve a date for a free Vessel Safety Check. Vessels passing safety checks are awarded a U.S. Coast Guard / Auxiliary Decal that informs that your boat was in full compliance with all Federal and State boating laws during a safety check for that year.

Have you or your family members outgrown their safety jackets? Are your boat flares past their “best to use by” date? Swap out old life vests for new ones (while supplies last) and you may drop off old flares with Ventura County Sheriff’s Bomb Squad.

Promoting clean boating through education is also a mission of the Coast Guard. A “Dockwalker from the California Division of Boating and Waterways’ Boating Clean and Green Program and The Bay Foundation will help you learn how to appropriately discard of used oil, know best clean boating practices, and waste products. Get a free Boater Kit, an educational tool for a boater that promotes safe and environmentally sound boating practices.

You can also visit the website HTTPS://www.safeboating.us that includes safety and demonstration videos, including how to use life jackets, fire extinguishers, flares and more.