Fairfield Police Marine unit offers boating safety advice for July Fourth weekend

Despite there being no July Fourth fireworks displays in many communities this year because of the conoronavirus pandemic, the Fairfield Police Marine Unit will be out in full force this weekend.

News 12 Staff

Jul 2, 2020, 5:17 PM

Updated 1,565 days ago

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Despite there being no July Fourth fireworks displays in many communities this year because of the conoronavirus pandemic, the Fairfield Police Marine Unit will be out in full force this weekend.
"We're expecting nice weather, and I think that people have cabin fever, so we're expecting a lot of boat traffic on the water," James Wiltsie with the Fairfield Police Marine Unit says.
Police want to make sure boaters have safety equipment.
"You're required by law to have your lifejackets, a throwable device, a horn or whistle, some type of sound making device and flares and a fire extinguisher," Wiltsie says. "If you have a VHF on board or a handheld VHF, that's the fastest way to get help on the water."
The Marine Unit will be doing random vessel checks this weekend, and spot checks too for BUI.
Police also want to remind residents there's still certain restrictions in place amid the pandemic.
"The marina is open 24 hours a day, but you do have to have a resident sticker in order to get into the marina," Police Capt. Robert Kalamaras says.
Police say those at the dock should plan on keeping their masks handy.
"If you have to encounter people on the docks, we encourage you to wear masks if that's the case," Kalamaras says.
Police say as a reminder, those operating a boat are required to have a certification by Connecticut law