Coast Guard to begin issuing ‘Aqua Alerts’ for boaters in distress

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Coast Guard to begin issuing ‘Aqua Alerts’ for boaters in distress

NIANTIC, CT (WFSB)
By Luke Hajdasz and Kaitlyn Burzin
May 30, 2025

NIANTIC, CT (WFSB) - The Coast Guard has a new way of keeping boaters on the Long Island Sound safe.

They launched a pilot version of an emergency alert system, similar to amber or silver alerts, which will send notifications to phones.

Officials said this is a way to efficiently spread word of missing people or boaters in distress on the water.

“It’s going to hit anyone who has those emergency alerts enabled on their phone and if you are within that geographic area you will now get that text message on your phone,” said Lt. Josh Smarzo, Command Center Chief, Sector Long Island Sound, U.S. Coast Guard.

The program went live on Tuesday.

Currently, the Coast Guard’s Sector Long Island Sound is the only one in the country using the pilot service.

“Everyone has a cell phone in their pocket so this is a way we can get information to boaters who are in the area and may be able to assist,” said Lt. Smarzo.

Captain Bob Wadsworth runs Sunbeam Fleets in Waterford. He said this program will keep him and his charter customers safe.

“Top notch idea... It’s an unwritten law, someone is in trouble, you go help them out,” Wadsworth said.

Before this service, authorities used Channel 16 on the radios for these types of incidents.

However, Channel 16 is becoming less popular in emergencies. The Coast Guard said about 75% of their emergency calls come over on cell phones.

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https://www.wfsb.com/2025/05/30/coast-guard-begin-issuing-aqua-alerts-boaters-distress