Basics of Boating Safety
Run a Tight Ship on the Water & Dock Side
Boating presents a whole new world of fun and adventure but with all that excitement come dangers that are not found in parks or on hiking trails. Even the strongest swimmers and most knowledgeable sailors should adhere to these basics of boating safety.
- The Life Jacket, Known As A Personal Floatation Device (PFD), Should Always Be Handy Regardless Of Age Or Skill Level. Most State & Local Governments Require At Least One PFD For Every Passenger On Board.
- Children Age 12 & Under Must Wear A U.S. Coast Guard-Approved PFD At All Times. Teenagers Would Also Benefit From Wearing One.
- Do Not Drink Alcohol While Driving A Boat.
- Pay Attention To What’s On The Water In Front Of You:
- Be Aware Of Jet Skiers, Submerged Objects & Debris.
- Know Where Other Boats Are On The Water.
- Turn Off Your Cell Phone & Stay Focused.
- Keep Your Boat’s Load Balanced & Don’t Overload.
- Watch Your Speed. There Are No Speed Limits On The Open Water But Weather Conditions, The Number Of Boats In The Vicinity & How Many Passengers You’re Carrying Should All Factor In To A Common Sense Approach.
- Choose At Least One Passenger To Serve As A Lookout With The Operator.
- Know The Depth So You Don’t Run Aground.
Personal Floatation Devices – Your Safety Net
It’s a fact: The vast majority of drowning victims were not wearing a life jacket. Regardless of your skill as a swimmer, wearing a properly secured PFD can be the difference between being rescued alive or found drowned. If you can’t locate a jacket during an emergency, it’s the same as not having one around at all.
Always keep PFDs in the right amount and the right selection of sizes aboard your craft. And remember that inflatable water wings, floating seat covers and flexible Styrofoam ‘noodles’ are not suitable replacements for Coast Guard approved life jackets.
Don’t Drink & Boat
Drinking and driving can be every bit as lethal on the water as it is on the highway; sometimes even more so. Boating under the influence is just as illegal as drunk driving, and being ticketed can result in the suspension of your automobile driver’s license. More importantly, the use of alcohol doubles the probability of being involved in a fatal boating accident.
Educate Yourself on Better Boating
If your idea of boating represents more than a few hours on the water, enrolling in an accredited boater education course is an investment in safety. It’s a good idea to bring along any family members who may someday operate the boat. Half of all boating accidents involve drivers aged 26 to 50.
The ABCs of PWCs
Personal Water Crafts (PWC) include Sea-Doos, Waverunners and Jet Skis. These small powered boats are popular choices for warm-weather fun on the water. But their jet-powered speeds and super-fast maneuvers make them something that other boaters really need to watch out for. Of course, the operators of these small vessels also need to be wary of potential hazards. They can be every bit as dangerous as they fun. So before you head out:
- Operator & All Passengers Must Wear Life Jackets – Preferably The High-Impact Designs Make Specifically For PWC Use
- Become An Expert On The Details Of Operating Your Vessel
- Learn Waterway Rules & How To Properly Identify Markers
- Respect The 50-foot Rule. Unless Your Boat Is In Idle, Stay 50-Feet Away From Boats, People, Docks & The Shoreline