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Coast Guard crewmembers from Aid to Navigation Team Kennewick, Wash., aboard a 26-foot Trailerable Aids to Navigation Boat, patrol in front of a hydroplane race boat near the south edge of the boat race course during the annual boat races held on the Columbia River near Kennewick, July 26, 2014. The annual boat races and air show attract hundreds of visitors and boaters from across the Pacific Northwest. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class David Mosley
Coast Guard crewmembers aboard a 25-foot Response Boat – Small near the northern safety zone line on the morning of the last day of the annual boat races held on the Columbia River near Kennewick, Wash., July 27, 2014. During the race weekend, active duty, reserve, Auxiliary crewmembers worked together with local law enforcement officers to help ensure the safety of the races and the boating public who attended the event on the river. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class David Mosley.
Coast Guard crewmembers aboard a 25-foot Response Boat – Small talk with Benton County Sherriff deputies as together they patrol the northern safety zone line where boaters could anchor their vessels while watching the annual boat races held on the Columbia River near Kennewick, Wash., July 25, 2014. The boat races, and accompanying air show, is a big event for the Tri-Cities area with hundreds of people on shore and on the water gathering together to enjoy the festive weekend. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class David Mosley.
Coast Guard reservists, from Coast Guard Station Cape Disappointment, Wash., aboard a 25-foot Response Boat – Small, help a boater who’s anchor line had gotten entangled in his propeller while trying to safely anchor alone the northern safety zone line where boaters could anchor their vessels while watching the annual boat races held on the Columbia River near Kennewick, Wash., July 27, 2014. Together, the Coast Guard crewmembers and the boat owner were able to safely get the anchor line free and the boat owner was able to safely anchor his vessel. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class David Mosley. |
KENNEWICK, Wash. — Active duty and reserve Coast Guard members, Coast Guard Auxiliary members, working with local law enforcement, ensured the safety of boaters during the annual boat races and air show held on the Columbia River near Kennewick this past Friday through Sunday.
During the three-day event the Coast Guard established a daily safety zone to ensure the safety of race participants, as well as designating no wake and anchoring zones for the boating public.
“We established the safety zone and are conducted patrols to respond to safety concerns and enforce laws as needed,” said Chief Petty Officer Shawn Copp, maritime enforcement specialist, Coast Guard Sector Columbia River. “Our focus is to protect the boats, their operators and passengers during the event. We are here to help keep everyone safe.”
Coast Guard crews from Aids to Navigation Team Kennewick, Coast Guard Stations Portland, Oregon, and Cape Disappointment, Washington, along with crews aboard eight Coast Guard Auxiliary boats worked with local law enforcement during this year’s annual event.
The Coast Guard has the responsibility to ensure safety of boaters for more than 460 miles along the Columbia River, into the Snake River up to Lewiston, Idaho.