ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - The Coast Guard is scheduled to kick off National Safe Boating Week May 21 though Memorial Day weekend.
Memorial Day weekend marks the informal beginning of summer and is expected to be a busy weekend on the water.
This year the holiday weekend coincides with National Safe Boating Week and Coast Guard units throughout the local area will be on patrol. Boaters can expect an increased presence from the Coast Guard and partner agencies, who will be paying particular attention to recreational boating safety.
In 2015 Florida lead the nation in boating accidents and boating fatalities. The Coast Guard reminds boaters to practices safe and responsible boating with these tips:
Always wear a life jacket and be alert and aware while on the water. Nationwide, many people die every year in boating and paddling accidents. More than two-thirds of these accidents result in drowings, and, more than 85% of these were not wearing a life jacket.
The Coast Guard urges boaters to obtain a free vessel safety check, which can be conducted by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, before heading out on the water. Vessel safety checks, are courtesy examinations of your vessel, verifying the presence and condition of certain safety equipment required by state and federal regulations.
Boating under the influence, or boating while intoxicated, is just as deadly as drinking and driving. In 2015 alcohol was the leading factor in boating accidents. It is illegal to operate a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs in every state. Penalties for violating BUI/BWI laws can include large fines, suspension or revocation of boat operator privileges and jail terms.
Here are some other tips to help boaters have a safe and pleasant summer on the water:
Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon: Own it, know it, and register it. An EPIRB is a device that is designed to transmit a distress signal if you get into trouble. No matter where you are in the world, an EPIRB sends a signal to emergency responders through a satellite system.
Boaters should prepare a written float plan that's given to friends or family members to show where they're going, when they plan to leave shore and when they plan to return. Make sure somebody knows where you're at, if you change plans mid-voyage, let someone know! The float plan should also include a description of your boat, what is on board and a description of the safety equipment you are carrying.
A VHF-FM radio is the best method of communication while on the water. Although cell phones are a good backup, they can be unreliable due to gaps in coverage area and the inevitable dead battery. Purchase radios to assure communication with other boaters and Coast Guard crews. Its range can be picked up much farther than a cell phone. Furthermore, have nautical charts of the area you are boating in, a global positioning device and a reliable means of communication on board your vessel.
Download the free Coast Guard app! Focusing on recreational boating, the app has a float plan function, the ability to check weather reports from the nearest NOAA buoys, a function for calling for assistance when in distress and more. It is currently available for free on iOS and Android devices.
Check the weather before going out on the water. Know your weather limitations - what your boat can handle and what it can't. Check the weather for storms, tides, currents and winds.
Don’t be distracted. Just like driving a car, don’t do anything that can take your attention away from operating a boat. Talking and texting are a distraction while trying to maintain safety on the water.
Don’t bow ride. Bow riding refers to the unsafe practice of passengers remaining on the bow of a recreational vessel while it is making way. The Coast Guard nation-wide urges the boating public to think twice before allowing their friends and family members to carelessly bow ride.
Know the rules of the road, and good seamanship. Would you buy a brand new car and go drive it or allow someone else to drive it without a driver's license? Licenses are not required by law for boaters in Florida, but it is imperative that boaters be familiar with basic seamanship fundamentals and rules of the road situations. The Coast Guard Auxiliary is an excellent resource in boating safety and most flotillas offer a rules of the road or boating safety course.
U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary: http://www.cgaux.org/
Vessel Safety Checks: http://www.vesselsafetycheck.org/
Coast Guard Boating Safety page: http://www.uscgboating.org/
National Safe Boating Council: http://www.safeboatingcouncil.org/