MARQUETTE -- The Marquette Coast Guard Auxiliary held free boat safety checks Saturday afternoon.  They were being held in advance of national Boating Safety Week, which starts on Sunday.

The inspections were completely free of charge for anyone who brought their boat by.  Things like life preservers and fire extinguishers are among the items required, and radios are among recommended items.

Even if you missed them Saturday afternoon, you haven't missed the boat on a free inspection.

"They can contact the Auxiliary through the Coast Guard office, Coast Guard station, and they can let us know, and if it's trailerable, we can go to their house and do it or we can do it down in the marina--we can do it down at the ramp--we can be as flexible as we possibly can," says vessel inspector Steve Turausky.

Should your boat be found lacking certain items, don't worry--they aren't issuing tickets or fines.  The Auxiliary is just trying to help people stay stay safe.