Tag Archives: boating safety

Eye Protection, First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues

MAY 20TH – 26TH IS NATIONAL SAFE BOATING WEEK

Sponsored by the National Safe Boating Council, Inc., May 20th through 26th is observed as National Safe Boating Week.  Probably, many of you who have gotten out those dusty boats and launched them already.  It’s time for some fun and sun on the water!  There’s nothing more fun than going fishing, skiing, or just a leisure ride in a boat, but please take boating safety seriously.  Be sure you have plenty of suncreen, a hat, and safety sunglasses that keep harmful UV rays from damaging your eyes!

The National Safe Boating Council, Inc. (NSBC) was organized in September of 1958.  The NSBC has a current membership of over 330 U.S. and Canadian organizations, all interested in boating safety and education.  This article includes a common-sense agreement regarding the responsibility that you owe yourself and your friends and family any time you operate a boat.  If you wish to sign this pledge, you can go to the National Safe Boating Council website.  If not, please take the pledge to heart, as accidents can happen, and many times it is because the persons in charge of the boat are not familiar with the proper handling of it.  

Search for information regarding boater education and what you need to know, as well as the five types of life jackets (PDF’s) – personal flotation devices, that are available.  There are many other resources that one should seek before taking off in that new boat.  Safety is the big thing when it comes to operating a boat.  Many lives are in the hands of the driver, the same as a vehicle on the road. 

Regardless of where you are boating – in fresh or salt water, on a river or a lake, the one common thread throughout this article is the importance of wearing a life jacket.  In about 80% of all fatal boating accidents, the cause of death is drowning.  In 90% of those drownings, the person wasn’t wearing a life jacket.  Each person on your boat should have a life jacket on; it won’t help if it’s under the seat when they fall in.  Life jackets are not as bulky as in the past; there are many styles that are comfortable and easy to put on.  It may be hot, but it sure beats the risk of drowning.  Life jackets are available for your dogs, too.  It isn’t easy to “dog paddle” to safety, so it’s much easier to rescue them if they have their life jacket on. 

Check the weather conditions before you start your boating trip.  If the water becomes rough, get to the shore as soon as possible.  Be sure you have a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit on your boat.  Having a second person that knows the operation of your boat doubles your chances of staying safe, just in case.  A very important part of boating safety is common sense.  Operate at a safe speed, stay clear of large vessels, and be respectful of other boaters.  Staying safe in a boat (everyone) is accomplished when the alcohol is saved for later.  Chances of being involved in a boating accident are doubled when alcohol is involved.   

Beginning boaters and experts alike should be familiar with boating safety rules of operation.  State boater education requirements vary by state.  Be educated, aware and prepared for every circumstance that may arise.  The U.S. Coast Guard offers free Vessel Safety Checks.  They offer complimentary boat examinations to verify the condition of certain safety equipment that is required by State and Federal regulations.  They also offer virtual online safety checks as well.  Please make the decision to honor the rules of boating safety for yourself, family, and friends. 

Here is a sample of the NSBC pledge card: Get on Board for Boating Safety:

Pledge Card: Get on Board for Boating Safety
 

I,                                         pledge to boat safely each and every time I go out on the water, keeping myself, my family, my friends and fellow boaters from harm’s way.  I will always boat responsibly by (please check each box):
  Wearing my life jacket and ensuring that everyone on board wears their life jacket (when in a small boat, or operating in rough water or threatening weather conditions)
  Remaining sober and alert – remembering that the use of alcohol contributes to accidents on the water
  Staying in control of my craft and respecting the right of others enjoying the waterways
  Knowing and obeying navigation rules, operating at a safe speed and maintaining a proper lookout

______________________________

______________________________

(signature)

(date)

 

If you wish to have your own copy of this pledge with your signature, print this form before submitting.

 

 

Sources: NSBC, discoverboating.com

 

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

WOULD IT MAKE A DIFFERENCE?

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You know the saying “Hindsight is 20-20”; we always think of things that might have made a difference after the fact.  Recently, a young man drowned in a local lake after falling from a boat and getting hit by a wake board.  After searching for several hours, his body was located, and he was not wearing a life jacket. (One of the rescue workers said they had never pulled anyone out of this particular lake that was wearing a life jacket.)  Without knowing exactly what caused this terrible accident, this tragedy should be a wake up call for all of us to take safety precautions on the water more seriously.

Children must wear life jackets!  Most state laws require that every other person onboard should have access to a life jacket. So, that’s normally the way it goes: the life jacket is on the floor beneath the person, or somewhere within reach.  But if the jacket is not being worn, how is it going to help?  Even if we are strong swimmers, there could be circumstances that cause us to be rendered unconscious if we fell out of a boat.  A rescue worker commented that even though wearing a life jacket is uncomfortable, it’s well worth the inconvenience when it saves someone’s life.

Just a month ago, we posted a boating article which ended with this:

“Things to remember: (1) Wear life jackets – they save lives! (2) Have that designated driver!  (3) Have a safe boat – it can save your life! (4) Be sure to take along sunscreen, and (5) have a first aid kit on your boat.”

So, YES, there are many things that can make a difference when it comes to water safety:

  • WEAR A LIFE JACKET!
  • DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE A BOAT!
  • PAY ATTENTION TO ALL PASSENGERS
  • LAKE WATER AND BOOZE JUST DON’T MIX!
  • DON’T DRIVE BOATS NEAR SWIMMING AREAS
  • COURTESY SHOULD BE EXTENDED TO AND BY JET-SKIERS

We have several more weeks of warm weather and there’s nothing more fun than going to the lake to do some skiing, fishing, camping, and just having all-around fun.  Hundreds of people will be heading to lakes to celebrate the Labor Day holiday.  Don’t let the dog days of summer end in tragedy by disregarding safe practices around water.