Briefs: National Boat Safety Week, United Airlines to resume service

United Airlines to resume service from Ithaca

Ithaca Tompkins International Airport (ITH) has announced its United Airlines service to Washington Dulles (IAD) will resume June 3 with two daily flights Monday through Friday and one daily flight on Saturdays and Sundays. Resumption comes after United Airlines paused the service following the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in spring 2020. “We are thrilled that United Airlines is resuming flights to and from ITH,” shared Airport Director Mike Hall. “We want to thank United for rejoining American Airlines and Delta Air Lines as a service provider at ITH, filling our schedule with a critical connection to Washington, D.C.” Thanks to the resumption of United service, the number of available daily seats could reach 250 by early June, and the airport may continue to see added flights from airline partners as demand increases and restrictions ease. “We are excited to resume service to Ithaca, providing our customers with an enhanced travel experience and unmatched service,” said Eddie Gordon, managing director of United’s Washington Dulles hub. “A short flight to Washington Dulles will provide customers traveling from Ithaca direct access to the National Capital region and the opportunity to connect to more than 100 domestic and international destinations.” For more information, please visit https://flyithaca.com.

 

National Boat Safety Week

National Safe Boating Week, May 22-28, marks the official launch of the 2021 Safe Boating Campaign. As COVID-19 restrictions loosen, it’s expected more people will be taking to Cayuga Lake this summer for boating, sailing, paddling and fishing. The U.S. Coast Guard estimates that human error accounts for most boating accidents and that wearing a life jacket could prevent nearly 86% of boating fatalities. In addition to wearing an approved life vest every time you are on the water, boaters should also: 1) File a float plan so someone onshore knows when and where you are going and when you are expected back; 2) know the rules of navigation, as Brianna’s Law requires all motorboat operators to complete a boating safety course; and 3) properly equip your vessel and check that all gear is working or up to date (e.g., lights, horn, fire extinguishers, flares, batteries, signal flags, first-aid kits, etc.). Boating responsibly has taken on added significance in the wake of the pandemic. Even as the percentage of fully vaccinated individuals grows, social distancing remains the best way to stay safe. Don’t raft up with other boats or beach your boat next to someone else and maintain your distance at the fuel dock. For more safety tips, visit http://www.safeboatingcampaign.com. In the event of an emergency on the water, boaters should call 9-1-1 and provide the dispatcher with information about the nature of the emergency and their location. In this photo: U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary’s (foreground, left to right) Margaret Phelps, Jen Watson, (background, left to right) Diana Robinson and Kim Walsh.