This week marks National Safe Boating Week across the country.

To observe the week, Washington prepared and is preparing with notices and events.

“During Safe Boating Week, the Pamlico Sail and Power Squadron will use this as an opportunity to promote safe boating by obtaining a mayoral proclamation declaring this coming week as Safe Boating Week in Washington,” John Rebholz, public relations officer with the Pamlico Sail and Power Squadron, said.

On the Washington waterfront Saturday, the squadron had an informational booth to promote safe boating. Displays included life vests (also known as personal flotation devices), representatives from Sea Tow and the N.C. Wildlife Commission and material on safe boating. In addition, the booth had information on future Power Squadron courses and seminars. Squadron members also conducted vessel-safety checks.

The Pamlico Sail and Power Squadron offers a variety of services, according to Rebholz.

“We conduct a wide range of boater-education courses and seminars. These range from the America’s Boating Course, which meets the state requirement on boater education, to weather seminars. One can access our schedule by going to www.pamlicosailandpowersquadron.com. We conduct vessel safety checks along with the Coast Guard Auxiliary,” he said. “This is a free service where a trained inspector will review with you the state/federal requirements on boating equipment. The inspector will advise you of any needed equipment required to meet government requirements. If your vessel meets the requirements, we will furnish you with a decal that identifies your vessel as having been inspected and passed the requirements. You can contact us to have your vessel inspected by going on www.pamlicosailandpowersquadron.com.”

The Sail and Power Squadron also stays active in the area.

“We support and help collect for Toys for Tots and Salvation Army,” Rebholz said. “We have supported the Girl and Boy Scouts with boating education. We even provide boating education to state, county and local government agencies. We also work to promote friendship between members of the boating community so that they can share safe on water activities and put their new learned skills to use.”