Coast Guard asks public to label barrels used to mark, weigh down docks

BUFFALO, NY — The Coast Guard is requesting that homeowners mark barrels that are being used to mark and weigh down docks for quick identification.

Painting or marking a large red “X” on the barrel allows Coast Guard crews to quickly identify it as a non-hazardous dock barrel and allow its origin and contents to be resolved without the need for further specialized investigation.

Within the Lake Ontario region, barrels are being used to mark and weigh down docks to increase the safety of the waterway by helping identify potential hazards posed by otherwise submerged or unseen docks. Unmarked and adrift barrels become a concern that the Coast Guard has to dedicate time, money and resources to recover.

Any questions can be answered via phone at the Sector Buffalo Command Center (716) 843-9527.