The Fourth of July is only days away, and the Coast Guard Auxiliary is concerned that this disturbing trend will continue unless boaters are especially careful, use common sense, and take the steps necessary to avoid tragedy
The Coast Guard Auxiliary is offering six tips for boaters to stay safe this weekend:
Wear a life jacket: The overwhelming majority (70 percent) of boating fatalities involve drowning, and of those who drowned, 86 percent were not wearing a life jacket. With a number of colors and styles available, there is no excuse for not wearing a life jacket these days.
Make sure your boat is properly equipped, and your equipment is is good working order: Boaters are urged to carry all the legally required equipment, such as life jackets and fire extinguishers, plus some recommended items, such as a first aid kit, charts of the area (so you will know where you are) and an anchor. Since this is usually one of the few times that many boaters venture out at night, be sure to check your navigation lights to make sure that they are working properly so you can be seen by other boats.
Avoid Alcohol: As much as 50 percent of all boating accidents involve alcohol. Alcohol challenges your judgment, balance, and vision - all of which are necessary to operate a boat. Studies have indicated that passengers are also 10 times more likely to fall overboard when they have been consuming alcohol, so it is recommended that everyone wait until they get home to imbibe.
File a Float Plan: Similar to a flight plan for a pilot, a float plan gives the "who, what, when, and where" of your trip. Unlike a flight plan which is filed with the Flight Service Center, a float plan is not field with the Coast Guard. Instead, it should be filed with a friend or family member who is staying ashore, and the float plan should contain clear instructions for the holder to contact the Coast Guard and/or local law enforcement agencies in the event you don't return from your voyage when you were expected.
Maintain a sharp lookout: This weekend will have more boats on the water than any other time of the year, so everyone will need to keep a sharp lookout for other boaters to avoid a collision. This is especially true when approaching a bend, in crowded waterways, and at night or during conditions of restricted visibility.
Carry a marine radio or cell phone to call for help: Be prepared in the event that your boat becomes disabled, or you are involved in an accident, or otherwise need assistance. The preferred method for contacting the Coast Guard is the VHF-FM radio, because they can use direction finding equipment to locate you, and other boaters who also have marine radios can hear your call for help. While cell phones are acceptable, make sure you have a full battery, and beware - there are often gaps in cell phone coverage on the water.
In short, boaters should be prepared! By following these simple tips, boaters should be able to enjoy a long relaxing weekend on the water.
