The U.S. Coast Guard is asking boaters to be safe on the water this Columbus Day weekend (known as Discoverers Day in Hawai‘i). Each year an estimated 700 Americans die in boating accidents. In 2005, more than 80 percent of
The U.S. Coast Guard is asking boaters to be safe on the water this Columbus Day weekend (known as Discoverers Day in Hawai‘i).
Each year an estimated 700 Americans die in boating accidents. In 2005, more than 80 percent of those who drowned were not wearing life jackets.
The primary causes of boating accidents are attributed to operator inattention; careless or reckless operation; operator inexperience; operating the vessel at an unsafe speed; and the lack of a proper lookout.
Boat operators, passengers and concerned individuals can make a difference by remembering the following tips:
• Wear a life jacket. In addition, there is a state law that mandates children under 13 years old must wear an appropriately sized lifejacket when on deck.
• Take a boating safety class. The Coast Guard Auxiliary is one source for boating safety classes.
• Don’t drink and boat. You shouldn’t drink and drive a car or a boat — have a designated driver.
• Check safety equipment and communication equipment onboard and ensure your boat is maintained and in good condition. A Coast Guard Auxiliary courtesy marine exam is a free way to check your safety equipment and boat’s condition before getting underway
• File a float plan with a friend or relative. Knowing where to look for boaters in an emergency takes the search out of search-and-rescue.
• Have complete knowledge of the operation and handling characteristics of t he boat. Driving a boat is not like driving a car; take time to learn the boat before an emergency.
• Maintain a safe speed at all times to avoid collision. Observe safe practices and ask everyone on the boat to keep an eye out for potential hazards.
• Keep an eye out for changing weather conditions, and act accordingly. Since Hawai‘i weather is continually changing, a sudden storm can bring rough weather.
• Know and practice navigation rules. A boating safety course is a great way to learn.
• Know and obey federal and state regulations and waterway markers.
Around the island there are areas boaters need to avoid because of hazards or security zones and properly marked channels keep boats from going aground, so boaters should make sure to have updated charts.
For more information on
safe boating go to www.
uscgboating.org/ or www.
safeboatingcouncil.org/.
