It's been a busy couple of weeks for the U.S. Coast Guard station at Fort Macon in Carteret County. During the past week the Coast Guard has responded to and rescued several boaters in distress off the Atlantic Coast. The summer months are when Coast Guard officials say they receive the majority of those distress calls. The reason? Boat owners not being prepared for a new season on the water. Things like life jackets, emergency flares and a working horn are pieces of equipment the Coast Guard says may keep you from being their next rescue. They also suggest you have a float plan with details on the boat and its passengers. Officials at Fort Macon say they've processed over 140 calls so far this year.
