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From life jackets to emergency plans: Some water safety tips from the U.S. Coast Guard

peter dujardin, daily press

The U.S. Coast Guard makes thousands of rescue attempts on the water each year, but not every mission is a success — such as the operation that retrieved three people from the Chesapeake Bay after their catamaran capsized June 18.

Officials said that had to do with the safety precautions heeded by the boaters, including that they were wearing life jackets.

“The life jackets gave us additional time,” said Coast Guard Cmdr. Erica Elfguinn, who coordinated the rescue efforts. “That helped us bring them home. Wearing the life jacket was just crucial in this case. They can save your life.”

Elfguinn recommended Coast Guard-approved life jackets designed to keep the head above water and in a breathing position at all times. Wearing a brightly colored life jacket makes people more visible in the water and having a safety whistle attached can provide a way to signal to others, she said.

Other boating safety tips: