Free vessel safety checks at Lee's Park Marina this Saturday

Lake Hopatcong - Coast Guard Flotilla 10-07 will be having its first VSC Day for the boating season at Lee’s Park Marina on Lake Hopatcong on Saturday, June 4, and again on Sunday, June 26 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., weather permitting. Free vessel safety checks are offered to boats to verify the presence and condition of the required equipment by federal, state and local regulations by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. Officials will discuss the purpose and value of required equipment as well as answer any boat owners may have that will help them to become a safe boater. The “VSC,” as they are called, takes about 10 to 15 minutes to perform and it is totally voluntary, there are no citations given for not compiling. Boats that “pass” are given a decal which is displayed on your boat. Officials said this VSC decal has some great benefits. Some marine insurance companies give discounts and the operator will be better prepared for a positive encounter if they are boarded by a law enforcement officer. If the boat fails the VSC, the operator can receive discounts on the equipment needed to comply. Boat owners should take a copy of the VSC to the nearest participating retailer, purchase what they need and get the VSC completed. To learn more, visit: cgauxiliarylakehopatcong.com