Summer will be here soon and with it will come many outdoor recreational opportunities. If boating is something you or you and your family will do, then it’s time to think or rethink boat safety. According to the National Safety Council, about 74 million Americans engage in recreational boating each year. Most boat outings are fun times, but the good times can quickly turn otherwise if boaters are not vigilant about safety at all times. The most common boat tragedies occur when someone falls overboard or a boat capsizes or collides with another boat. The US Coast Guard statistics show that nearly 7 out of 10 boating accidents resulting in death occurred due to operator error or lack of boating safety instruction.
The good news is that lives can be saved and injuries reduced with education and observation of safety rules and recommendations.
Education. Many states require completion of a boat safety course in order to operate a vessel on lake and streams within the state. Taking the course allows one to become familiar with operation basics and etiquette, as well as state and federal waterway rules. And, by taking the course, insurance premiums may be lowered. Boat Ed offers courses and tests recognized by the U.S. Coast Guard, approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators, and meet individual state’s certification standards.
Life jackets are essential. While regulations on life jackets vary from state to state, the Wear It program of the National Safe Boating Council encourages boaters to wear a Coast Guard approved life jacket any time they are on a boat, motorized or non-motorized. In addition to wearing the life jacket, it must fit properly (appropriate for size and weight), and be securely fastened. Most states mandate life jackets for youth. Boat US Foundation provides information on properly fitting a life jacket.
To further reduce risk, the Coast Guard offers these tips:
- Don’t drink: alcohol affects judgment, vision, balance and coordination.
- Get an annual vessel safety check.
- Know about carbon monoxide; this odorless, colorless poisonous gas is emitted by all combustion engines and onboard motor generators.
- Have first aid kits onboard as well as extra flotation devices, a fire extinguisher, and a sound signaling device.
- Check your local weather forecast before going out.
The extra effort that goes into taking these kinds of precautions will help create fun-filled adventures for you and your family on the water.
