Boating Safety

A review of boating accidents shows a variety of factors are involved in the typical mishap. Improper weight distribution, overloading, inattention to weather conditions and improper lookout are the chief causes of accidents. Hanging over the side and riding on the bow, combined with unexpected turns, lead to falls overboard. Alcohol and boating accidents go hand in hand. Alcohol lessens alertness and the sense of balance that is crucial to accident free boating. This can occur with as little as one or two drinks. The U.S. Coast Guard reports alcohol involvement in over 50 percent of all serious boating accidents. EXAMPLES An father took his six year old son fishing with him in his 17' bass boat. The child lost his balance and fell overboard. The father attempted to rescue his son but both drowned. Life jackets were available but not worn.   Three friends drowned during a fishing trip when their 15 foot boat was swamped by waves from an unexpected storm. Seven people were in the rented boat. The boat's capacity plate indicated a maximum safe occupancy of six persons. Three people were fishing in a small boat. A storm came up and they tried to return to shore. The boat capsized and only two of them managed to swim to the shore. The third person was weighed down by heavy clothing. He submerged in 10 feet of water and went into shock because of the 50 degree Fahrenheit water temperature. He was not wearing a personal floatation device. Although he was a good swimmer, he drowned. Two young men were returning at night from a fishing trip in a 14 foot motor boat when they collided with another boat. Both boats were operated at night without lights. Both men were thrown out of the boat. One drowned and the other received hip injuries. Personal floatation devices were aboard the boat but not worn. A man was water skiing behind an inboard boat on a mountain lake. The boat operator was towing him too close to a designated swimming area, and as he passed clear of this area he noticed a sailboat ahead of him. The skier  tried unsuccessfully to maneuver away from the boat but he collided with it anyway. He sprained his hip and suffered multiple contusions. The personal flotation device he was wearing may have saved his life. He lost 10 days from work. RECOMMENDATIONS Take a safe boating course. The local Coast Guard Auxiliary can provide the information necessary to enroll. Do a pre-season inspection of your boat, motor, and safety accessories and check them each time you go out. Install a dead-man ignition switch on your motor. Abide by the manufacturer's load capacity plate on the boat. It lists limits for people, motor and gear. Don't overload. Make sure the required safety equipment (personal flotation devices, fire extinguisher, whistle, horn, flares, etc.,) is aboard the boat. A VHF radio is recommended as well as an anchor and line. Always leave a float plan with a friend or marina operator. Indicate where you are going, departure time, boat name, registration number, and what time to notify the Coast Guard if you have not returned. Check weather conditions before you leave and immediately return home if the weather turns sour. Don't wait for the waves to come over the bow. Ensure everyone wears an approved Coast Guard personal flotation device while underway in a boat, smaller than 16 feet Do not drink while operating a boat. Discourage passengers from drinking too. Most states have stiff penalties, similar to those imposed on motor vehicles operators, for operating a boat while intoxicated. When passing marinas, fishing areas, or swimming areas reduce speed to prevent wakes. For more information on boating safety write: U.S. Coast Guard Office of Boating, Public and Consumer Affairs 2100 Second St., SW Washington, DC 20593