Boating Information
Enjoying the Fun of Safe Boating
The most important part about responsible boating is to always practice good boating safety. The United States Coast Guard says that almost all boating accidents could have been prevented if the captain of the ship had taken a boating safety course prior to getting on the water. Boating safety is tantamount to responsible boating and it shouldn't be taken lightly.
There's no way we can cover all aspects of boating safety in this short article. What we can do, however, is to give you some basics to go from in your quest to become a responsible boater. There's nothing that can replace a good, certified boating safety course taught by a qualified individual, but everyone has to start somewhere!
* Always know the safest distance to keep away from other boats. If someone is going slower than you are and you want to pass them, know how to do so safely and with the proper signaling. Boats don't have turn signals, but you should know how to alert the other boater you will be passing them.
* When you are putting your boat in the water, be sure you know how to do this quickly as well as safely. Boating safety has to be present even before you get your vessel on the water. Knowing how to do this the right way can make the difference between friendly and unfriendly boating.
* If alcohol is part of your boating trip, be sure you are very conscious of what alcohol can do to your body when you are operating a fast-moving vehicle on top of a body of water. Alcohol use by the captain should occur in moderation above everything else. Most of the boating accidents that occur today can be directly attributed to alcohol as a contributing factor. Be smart when it comes to alcohol consumption on the water.
* Make sure that all people on board your boat have access to a life vest. Never let a child be in your boat without wearing a life vest at all times. The number one cause of death on the water is due to drowning. That is caused by people falling overboard without a life vest. This is the number one boating safety rule stressed by all instructors.
* Boating safety depends on everyone following general rules of etiquette when you are out on the water. While you can't control what the other boaters do, you sure can control what you do. Always be polite on the water and know that you are doing your part to keep the waters safe.
Like we said previously, every boater should really take a certified boating safety course. Besides making it easier for you to get your boating license, you will be a much better boater after you take a boating safety course.
| WYANDOTTE: Grant to promote safe boating - News-Herald Fri, 03 Sep 2010 11:20:00 GMT WYANDOTTE — As a state surrounded by water, many Michigan residents enjoy getting out on lakes and rivers. However, not everyone gives safety the priority it deserves. To help spread the safe boating ... | ||
| U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary offers boating skills and seamanship course - Los Angeles Times Wed, 01 Sep 2010 21:09:00 GMT safety equipment, navigation, wind and weather, and federal and state boating requirements. Classes will be held Tuesdays from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. through Oct. 26. At no additional charge, a lines and knots ... | ||
| Labor Day safety stressed on Oklahoma roads and lakes - Daily Oklahoman Thu, 02 Sep 2010 04:55:00 GMT McKean said most boating accidents are caused by inattention and alcohol consumption ... Drowning is another top safety concern on lakes. Swimmers should also wear life jackets. State law requires life jackets for ... | ||
| Safety doesn’t stay on shore: Law enforcement will be out on the lakes this weekend - Killeen Daily Herald Fri, 03 Sep 2010 05:08:00 GMT ... the Texas Department of Public Safety, put more officers around the lakes to supplement TPWD wardens and rangers from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as they patrolled the waters. Anyone found boating while ... | ||
| Norwich Lake residents call for new boating safety rules after fatal crash - Daily Hampshire Gazette Wed, 25 Aug 2010 16:38:00 GMT Huntington selectmen and members of the Norwich Lake Association will discuss the possibility of imposing a ban on waterskiing and a limit on boat motor horsepower. Last week, a 10-year-old boy was killed ... |