Photo By Pfc. Michael Neuenhoff | National Safe Boating Week is a focused, week-long event that brings safety awareness...... read more read more
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National Safe Boating Week is a focused, weeklong event that brings safety awareness to boaters prior to the start of the summer boating season, this year, National Safe Boating Week will be celebrated from May 21-28, 2021. Although boating is a great summertime activity, there are also a variety of risks associated with it. This article includes a few to make any boating experience safer, for all.
First and foremost, when in the water you always run the risk of drowning. That’s why you should bring enough life jackets for everyone who will be on the boat. While it’s not required you wear it, unless under the age of 13, it is highly recommended. The state of North Carolina requires all parties 13 years or younger to wear a life jacket at all times. This varies from state to state. Check local governing laws to be sure. The U.S. Coast Guard reports that 76 percent of all fatal boating incidents are drowning victims. Of those that drowned, 85 percent of victims were not wearing life jackets.
It’s also wise to check the forecast before setting out to sea. If the weather is not favorable, odds are, it’s not safe for boating. The weather can affect the handling of your vessel significantly, putting you in a far more dangerous position. The old fisherman’s saying, “Red sky at night, sailors delight. Red sky in the morning, sailors take warning,” is a good rule of thumb to reference.
Another good practice is carrying emergency equipment aboard. Signal flares, fire extinguishers, navigation systems, repair kits, and signal broadcasting systems can all prove handy if you find yourself lost, on fire, broken down, or out of gas. It’s also important to ensure all your gear is labeled, serviceable, and not past its expiration date.
While driving on the road is different than boating, it is still unsafe and illegal to operate a boat while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If caught drinking and boating you are subject to fines, jail time, loss or suspension of your boating privileges, and a possible loss or suspension of driving privileges. According to the Coast Guard, one of every five fatal boating accidents involves alcohol.
Finally, you can always take a boating safety course if you wish to learn more. There is a wide variety of boating safety courses available online, also offered through local and state run organizations. The Coast Guard has a safe boating program implemented and is ready to help you boat safer.
For more information visit www.uscgboating.org
| Date Taken: | 05.14.2021 |
| Date Posted: | 06.04.2021 15:42 |
| Story ID: | 396392 |
| Location: | NC, US |
| Web Views: | 40 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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