The Harbor Department was pleased to debut a three-minute safety video on Newport Harbor.

The primary audience for the video is people renting small and manually powered vessels on the harbor although it has information valuable to anyone operating a vessel on the harbor.

It is hoped the rental concession operators will show the video to their customers before they allow them to embark.

The inspiration for the video came during an effort by the Harbor Commission to improve safety for paddleboarders back in 2015.

Then Harbor Commissioner, now NHF Board Member William ‘Skip’ Kenney worked with the sole rental concession operator in Alamitos Bay who had produced a simple video all rental customers were required to watch.

While it took longer to get a video produced for Newport Harbor than desired, the final product is excellent and should have wide appeal.

The central messages in the video include:

• Requirements for Personal Floatation Devices
• Knowing the terrain of the harbor and the safest ways to enjoy it
• Locations of public restrooms and how to find them
• Remain aware of changing conditions including wind and currents

The footage is attractive viewing for visitors and locals.

In the coming months, the Harbor Department hopes to produce additional videos focused on basic safety for all harbor users, the locations of public restrooms, and efforts to improve water quality and wildlife in the harbor.

Thank you, Harbormaster Paul Blank