Harborfest boating safety

NORFOLK, Va. - Harborfest organizers want you to have a fun and safe time at this year's event. On Friday, the Parade of Sail kicks off the annual dock party.  

Ltjg. Mac Sumner of the US Coast Guard tells WAVY.com, "We'll be here all weekend in a general boating safety presence. We'll be helping out as much as we can with Coast Guard Auxiliary safety checks."  He went on to say the Coast Guard will assist in search and rescue efforts if needed. 

Festevents Maritime Manager James Scruggs says, "We look for everyone to come out and enjoy and have a safe, pleasurable weekend."

Festevents Director Karen Scherberger says festival goers will find plenty of parking in downtown Norfolk within walking distance of Harborfest at the renovated Town Point Park. "Friday, Saturday and Sunday is $5 collection on entry fee which is a great deal. MacArthur is $2. So plenty of parking spaces, plenty of garages," Scherberger said.

Fireworks are illegal for personal use, but festival goers will find expert fireworks displays each day of the event. Norfolk Fire Rescue Battalion Chief Harry Worley said, "Even though they are professionals, we still, because of the concern for the safety of the public, place fire marshal personnel on the barges."

He also says the park will have first aid stations, medics on hand and golf carts called darts, equipped as mini-ambulances, if someone needs medical attention at any time during the festival.