CHICAGO – The U.S. Coast Guard, City officials, and maritime stakeholders kicked off National Safe Boating Week today at Navy Pier to emphasize the importance of boating safety.
National Safe Boating Week, which runs from May 16-22, is an annual observance sponsored by the National Safe Boating Council, endorsed by the U.S. Coast Guard and promoted by multiple state and local agencies throughout the U.S. The campaign promotes safe and responsible boating, including the value of wearing a lifejacket
In 2014, 610 boating fatalities occurred across the United States. Fourteen of those fatalities occurred on the Great Lakes, and 11on Lake Michigan. Fatalities and accidents on the water can be eliminated through safe and responsible boating.
"National Safe Boating Week offers us the opportune time to improve the safety of recreational boaters by providing this information to the public," said Capt. Amy Cocanour, commander of Coast Guard Sector Lake Michigan. "As we head into the summer months, we recognize there will be an increase in boating and water activities which present the risk of water related incidents. It’s our job to help mitigate that risk but, at the same time, be ready to respond when that risk jeopardizes life or property."
The Chicago Fire Department Air-Sea Rescue Squad performed a water rescue demonstration off of the east end of Navy Pier using one of its rescue helicopters. The Chicago Fire Department Air-Sea Rescue Squad responds to cases off of the shores of Chicago. Meanwhile, Coast Guard crews also respond to cases off of Chicago and across Lake Michigan with a Dolphin helicopter from its Air Facility in Waukegan.
“Chicago’s lakefront and river serve as an oasis for families and friends to enjoy during warm weather and all summer long,” said Mayor Rahm Emanuel. “As millions of residents and visitors from around the world enjoy our beaches, marinas, tour boats and Navy Pier this summer, it’s important that they are informed of water safety precautions so they have a safe and fun experience.”
Area boaters and water recreators are urged to follow these simple ways to reduce boating accidents and to ensure a safe summer on the waters:
Wear a Life jacket
Wearing a life jacket can be the difference between life and death when participating in any water activity, weather boating or swimming. Donning a life jacket is much harder once you’re in the water, especially if you’re injured. Last year, where the cause of death was known in boating accidents, 78 percent of victims drowned, and 84 percent of those drowning victims were not wearing a life jacket. Just remember, wear it! Don’t just store it.
Don’t Drink and Boat
Boating under the influence was the leading contributing factor in fatal boating accidents. Make the right decision, don’t consume alcohol and boat. The penalties for boating under the influence can include large fines, revocation of operator privileges and serious jail terms. The Coast Guard aggressively prosecutes intoxicated operators.
Take a Safe Boating Course
If you’re going to operate a boat, educate yourself, take a boating safety class! Where the cause of death was known in boating fatalities, 77 percent of deaths occurred on vessels where the operator had not received boating safety instruction.
Have the Proper Communication and Emergency Equipment
Ensure you have the proper safety equipment onboard your boat and that you know how to use it. Equipment and processes such as flares, fire extinguisher and filing a float plan are necessary tools for a safe voyage.
Cell phone coverage is often spotty, so having a reliable VHF-FM marine radio on-hand is recommended for communications during times of distress. Consider purchasing a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) if you boat alone or offshore. When activated, these devises can be used by responders to identify the location of distressed boaters.
Get a Free Vessel Safety Check
The Coast Guard recommends that all recreational boaters (including personal watercraft users) take advantage of the free vessel safety check program every year. Vessel safety checks are offered by experienced members of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and the U.S. Power Squadrons, two of the nation’s premier volunteer boating safety organizations.
A vessel safety check is the best possible way to learn about potential violations of state and federal requirements. More importantly, these quick exams can keep your boat and passengers out of harm’s way. For more information about or to schedule a visit http://www.safetyseal.net and click on “I Want a VSC” to find a vessel examiner near you.
Share the Waterways
Area waterways, particularly the Chicago River, are used for a variety purposes including recreation and commercial. It's important that everyone knows how to share the waterways. Maintaining safe speeds, observing "No Wake" zones, designating a lookout, and avoiding shipping channels are just some ways to remain safe. Stay out of the paths of ships, water taxis, towboats, tugboats and barges. A pilot's blind spot can extend for hundreds of feet and their speed can be deceptive. Commercial vessels such as towboats and tugboats operate 365 days a year, 24 hours a day.
Other safety tips for boat operators, passengers and swimmers include:
• Know the weather and water conditions before boating or swimming.
• Never swim alone and always swim near life guards.
• Check local rip current forecasts, and never swim in rough water
• Be aware of carbon monoxide hazards in and around a boat, and maintain a continuous flow of fresh air.
• File a float plan; give the information to a friend or relative who can call for help if you do not return as scheduled.
• Maintain a clear unobstructed view forward at all times. Most boating collisions are caused by obstruction or distraction.
• Observe the nautical rules of the water, including speed limits
• Learn C.P.R. and first aid
• Ensure children are always supervised and wearing a life jacket
• Stop the engine when boarding or exiting the boat