Top 10 Boating Safety Tips
1. Always wear a Life Jacket and insist that your crew and guests do the same. In 2011, nearly 70% of fatal boating accidents were a result of drowning and 84% of those victims failed to wear a Life Jacket.* A nearly equal percentage of drowning victims were boating on vessels less than 21 feet in length.* Always have an adequate supply of life jackets aboard. Make sure that children are wearing appropriate life jackets that fit correctly. Drowning was the reported cause of death for approximately 60 percent of the children under the age of 13 who perished in boating accidents in 2011.* In cold water areas, life jackets are even more important. A fall into water colder than 60º Fahrenheit can induce “cold shock” – a sudden gasping for air that can increase the risk of drowning especially in older people.
2. Never drink alcohol while Boating. Alcohol use was the leading contributing factor in all fatal boating accidents in 2011.* Stay sharp. Leave the alcohol on dry land.
3. Take a Boating Safety Course. Only 11% of deaths occurred on boats where the operator had received boating safety instruction.* You may even qualify for a reduced insurance rate if you complete a safety course. Contact your local Coast Guard Auxiliary, U.S. Power Squadron chapter** or visit the US Coast Guard Boating Safety Resource Center on-line for more information on courses in your area.
4. Remember Boating Safety Begins with You. Stay in control by taking charge of your safety and that of your passengers. Boaters between the ages of 36 and 55, who comprise approximately 30% of all the operators, accounted for the highest rate of accidents, injuries and fatalities in 2011.*
5. Understand and obey boating safety recommendations and Navigational Rules. Imagine the mayhem that would result if car drivers disregarded vehicle and traffic laws. Know and understand boating safety procedures and rules of navigation before taking to the water, and practice them without fail.
6. Operate at a safe speed and always maintain a proper lookout. Operator inattention, operator inexperience, excess speed, overloaded craft and improper lookout are the leading contributors in all reported accidents.* Know your boat’s limitations as well as your own. Take note of visibility, boat traffic density and the proximity of navigation hazards like shoals, rocks, floating objects and wakes. Don’t invite a collision by going faster than is prudent.
7. Always check the Marine Weather Forecast. A calm day can quickly turn ugly on the water. Keep an eye out for changing weather conditions and stay on top of the forecast while boating on channel WX-1.
8. Tell someone about your plans. The US Coast Guard recommends that you always tell a friend or family member where you plan to go and when you expect to return. Make it a habit before leaving on any boat trip. The proper officials need this information if you don’t return when expected.
9. Always use Channel 16 to report an emergency. All marine patrol units, as well as other boaters who may be able to assist, use VHF Channel 16. Use a cell phone only as a last resort.
10. Maintain constant Awareness and Anticipate Problems. Boaters who are vigilant and are prepared to deal with the unexpected situation or emergency are far less likely to suffer injury or death on the water. Remain Alert and carry USCG currently approved visual distress signals at all times!
Remember, you can have your vessel checked for safety for free! The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and U.S. Power Squadron offer Vessel Safety Checks at no cost. Unsafe boats are a threat to all recreational boaters.
* US Coast Guard Boating Safety Resource Center
** United States Power Squadron