NEW YORK — The Coast Guard urges boaters in the tri-state area to use extra caution while out on the water this Labor Day weekend.
Warm weather conditions promise to make this unofficial end of summer especially crowded on the water.
The increased boat traffic, combined with the uncertain sea conditions from an Atlantic storm mean that boat operators need to be especially vigilant. Unpredictable currents near shore and larger waves are just two of the effects boaters and swimmers should be aware of. Mariners are advised to be especially cautious while transiting the coastal inlets along the tri-state shoreline due to dangerous surf caused by the storms.
The Coast Guard always advises mariners to check weather and surf conditions before getting underway to ensure a safe voyage.
Coast Guard law enforcement crews, along with local and state law enforcement agencies, will be patrolling, conducting safety checks, and watching for people boating while intoxicated or operating in an unsafe manner.
Consider these safety tips for boaters before leaving the dock:
•Never boat under the influence (BUI): It is illegal to operate a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs in every state. There are stringent penalties for violating BUI/BWI laws, which can include large fines, suspension or revocation of boat operator privileges and jail terms. Alcohol use is the leading known contributing factor in fatal boating accidents.
•File a float plan: Leave a detailed float plan with a friend or family member who is staying back. The sooner a craft can be reported overdue, the more likely a positive outcome will result. Facts need to be quickly and accurately conveyed in an emergency. Your float plan should include detailed information that rescue personnel need in order to find you. For examples of a float plan, and for more information, visit www.floatplancentral.org before you go.
•Wear a life jacket: Life jackets save lives. In 2015, 76 percent of all fatal boating accident victims drowned. Of those, approximately 85 percent were not wearing a life jacket. Accidents can leave even a strong swimmer injured, unconscious or exhausted in the water.
•Take a VHF-FM marine radio: Cell phones may lose signal off shore and run out of batteries after a day on the water. They are helpful, but not reliable for emergencies. VHF channel 16 is the marine emergency channel. It should only be used for emergencies.
•Have a signaling device: Boaters should have a marine-band radio, signal flares and an emergency position-indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) to alert first responders. Boaters can reach the Coast Guard on marine-band radios on channel 16 at any time, day or night.
•Monitor weather broadcasts: Watch for current storm and small craft advisories. The National Weather Service broadcasts marine weather forecasts regularly. Forecasts can be heard by tuning in to Channels 1 through 5 on a VHF marine radio or by checking the NWS website at www.weather.gov