Coast Guard boosts patrols as America 250 events increase summer security demands

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- As America 250 celebrations ramp up alongside other major events, the U.S. Coast Guard is increasing its presence on the Delaware River and surrounding waterways to help maintain safety and security.

Action News reporter TaRhonda Thomas accompanied members of the Coast Guard on patrol along the Delaware River. It's a view that most people appreciate for its beauty, but for the Coast Guard, it's all about ensuring safety.

Officials say the workload has intensified given the busy summer in Philadelphia.

"The Coast Guard has been working 24/7, non-stop," said Petty Officer 2nd Class Christopher Bokum.

This summer is among the busiest in recent memory as America 250 celebrations coincide with the World Cup and a special joint session of Congress held this week at Independence Hall.

"This is an incredibly busy time of year for us," Petty Officer 2nd Class Hayden Adams said.

To meet the increased demand, the Coast Guard has brought in additional personnel and resources.

"Staffing-wise, we've brought in extra units. So we've brought in maritime safety and security teams from around the country," Adams said.

The added staffing helps ensure a continuous presence on the water as the Coast Guard establishes safety zones around major events.

"Tomorrow night we'll be having fireworks at Penn's Landing; there we'll be conducting a safety zone, so that's just ensuring the public is well far enough away," Adams said.

The Coast Guard also has the ability to set up security zones, which would mean that no vessels are allowed in or out of an area while that security zone is active.

While supporting large public events, Coast Guard crews also continue their routine mission of maintaining safe waterways for commercial traffic and recreational boaters.

One focus during the Fourth of July holiday weekend will be boating safety enforcement.

"From the 3rd to the 5th, we'll be out in force looking for people who are exhibiting signs of boating under the influence," Adams said.

Bokum said the agency's role also extends beyond enforcement.

"We're here to enforce safety, but we're also here in the event that somebody is in distress," he said.

As crowds gather for summer celebrations, Coast Guard officials said their mission remains constant.

"We're prepared to always 24/7, 365, control, secure and defend any waterways in the United States," Bokum said.

Officials also advised boaters to monitor marine radio communications for updates on safety/security zones and other operational changes as Coast Guard patrols continue throughout the summer.