As America enters a new era of increased terrorist threats at home, citizens across the country are being asked to keep on the lookout for suspicious activities. BoatU.S. believes recreational boaters can do their part through "America's Waterway Watch," a program that enlists the active participation of those who play, work or live around America's waterways. Similar to the successful Neighborhood Watch programs that ask community residents to report suspicious activities to local law enforcement agencies, Waterway Watch is a combined effort of the U.S. Coast Guard and its Auxiliary and Reserve components.
"We believe that many boaters are willing to play a part in securing our waterways and provide the Coast Guard with information about activities that may appear strange or unusual," said BoatU.S. President Nancy Michelman. "This is a grassroots effort to engage the boating public in the quest for information that could prevent a possible terrorist attack. To participate, it is as easy as keeping the 1-877-24WATCH (877-249-2824) phone number aboard your boat, and using it when something seems out of place," continued Michelman.
"Hopefully, potential terrorists will think twice about using America's waterways if they know that suspicious behavior is being monitored by recreational boaters," said Michelman. She cautioned boaters against approaching or challenging anyone behaving in a suspicious manner as well as trying to act as an agent for law enforcement. Boaters should simply report suspicious activity, she noted.
To find out more about the program, learn how to recognize suspicious behavior and how to report an incident using specific details, view an informational video online, or find out about promotional materials available for boat clubs or marinas, go to http://www.AmericasWaterwayWatch.org
