Governor joins Coast Guard in urging isle boating safety

The Coast Guard and other local and state agencies officially launched the annual National Safe Boating Week in Hawaii.

Coast Guard officials read a proclamation from Gov. Neil Abercrombie on Friday declaring the week as a celebration of boating safety. 

Representatives also launched the Paddle Smart Initiative. The Coast Guard initiative offers free waterproof stickers which can affix owner identification information to canoes or paddle boards.

The presentation also included demonstrations on how to inflate lifejackets and search and rescue operations by an air crew.

Safe Boating Week runs through Friday.