OXNARD, VENTURA : Tours, Inspections Slated at 2 Harbors

The skippers of an armada of recreational boats are expected to attend National Safe Boating Week the first two weekends of June at Channel Islands and Ventura harbors, a U. S. Coast Guard spokesman said.

Rescue demonstrations at sea, free boat and fire extinguisher inspections, and tours of Coast Guard and Navy vessels will highlight activities planned at the two harbors, Coast Guard Capt. Skip Harkson said.

“This is the first time that the Coast Guard, Coast Guard Auxiliary, the Ventura Power Squadron and the Boy Scouts of America Sea Cadets will combine forces to launch a program of boat safety,” Harkson said.

Events are planned for Channel Islands Harbor in Oxnard between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. June 6 and 13. Activities, including musical entertainment, will last until 6 p.m. at Ventura Harbor the same two days, as well as June 7.

The 440-foot frigate Duncan will anchor for tours outside Ventura Harbor, with shuttle boats leaving the dock at Ventura Harbor Village every 30 minutes between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. June 6 and 7.

At Channel Islands Harbor, the public can tour the Coast Guard cutter Carrew during open houses that the Coast Guard will hold each of the two Saturdays.

Another highlight each weekend will be demonstrations by Navy crews of an at-sea rescue, using a twin-rotor helicopter to pluck a “victim” from the water.

Demonstrations are scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturdays at Channel Islands Harbor and 11 a.m. June 13 at Ventura Harbor.

Seminars will also be given on the use of Loran, radar and satellite navigation systems, and on the use of marine radios and other safety equipment by members of the Coast Guard Auxiliary and the Power Squadron.