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Coast Guard stepping up safety patrols near Mayport

The Coast Guard in Mayport is ready to go out to sea year-round to help boaters in distress.

On Tuesday, Action News Jax got to ride along with them as they got the word out about boating safety.

“This is the time when we see most boating accidents, when people are taking their vessels out. It's been long winter months. We have snowbirds heading south for the first time,” Chief Petty Officer Jimmy Allen said.

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Allen said it’s important to do a safety check of your boat so you have the right tools available in case of an emergency.

“A lot of people forget to check those small things like flares, life jacket. Check your battery to make sure they’re tight,” Allen said.

He also said its important to have enough life jackets on board and to make sure they fit properly.

In 2015, it was reported to the Coast Guard that more than 400 people drowned and 80 percent of them didn't have life jackets on.

“A big thing with children that we constantly see is children are wearing the wrong-sized life jacket,” Allen said.

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Allen said if you have any questions about what your boat should have, the Coast Guard has a a team made up of volunteers who will come out to your boat and perform a free safety check.

Visit this website to learn more: http://www.safeboatingjax.com/pages/14-8VSC.htm