NEW YORK — The Coast Guard is reminding the public to exercise safe boating during the Fourth of July weekend.
The July Fourth holiday typically experiences a high number of boaters taking to the water. The Coast Guard advises the public to take responsibility for their safety on the beaches, lakes and waterways of the tri-state area. Boaters should be aware of, and obey, all federal and state regulations for recreational boating and navigation.
Coast Guard statistics for 2015 show:
- 4,158 accidents that involved 626 deaths, 2,613 injuries and approximately $42 million in damage to property as a result of recreational boating accidents.
- Seventy-six percent of all fatal boating accident victims drowned, and of those, 85 percent were not reported as wearing a life jacket.
- Where instruction was known, 71 percent of deaths occurred on boats where the operator had received boating safety instruction. Only 15 percent of deaths occurred on vessels where the operator had received boating safety instruction from the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators.
- Approximately 17 percent of all loss-of-life cases were the result of boating under the influence.
All boaters should:
- Always wear a life jacket. There is usually very little time to reach for stowed vests when accidents occur. Wearing one at all times reduces your risk of drowning. Federal law requires you to have a personal floatation device on board for each passenger.
- File a float plan. A float plan is simply letting family and friends know where you are going and your expected time of return. File a float plan with someone who is not getting underway with you and stick to the plan. If you change plans, contact the person. A float plan assists responders in the search of an overdue boater who may be in distress.
- Have a signaling device to communicate an emergency on the water. 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.
- Never boat under the influence. 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.
"We want mariners to enjoy the extended Fourth of July holiday weekend, but remember to keep our waterways safe for all to enjoy," said Capt. Edward Cubanski III, commander Sector Long Island Sound "Boating safety is important and ensuring your family and friends have access to the proper Coast Guard-approved equipment is one of the easiest way to be prepared for an emergency. Lastly, never operate a boat while under the influence of alcohol; be sure to stay clear of any fireworks barges and other boaters who may be distracted by the festivities. Let's work together in making this Fourth of July holiday weekend a safe and memorable celebration.”
For more boating information, go to http://www.uscgboating.org/.