Boat safely, especially around the Holiday Weekends- 7 Tips

7 Tips to keeping your boating season safe

- Most of these tips come from Sheriff and Coast Guard sites

With the Labor Day Holiday comes the sign that summer is ending and in many places, the boating season is wrapping up.  This weekend, many people will head to the beaches, lakes and seas for one final time on Labor Day Weekend to celebrate with friends and family.

However, a relaxing day on the water could turn deadly if boaters are not following safety guidelines.

Coast Guard and Sheriff patrol warn those who head out to the waters this weekend- to practice safe boating, and follow all rules and regulations.

“The best way to avoid drowning is to wear your life jacket at all times.” “That’s the best way. The other way is to keep drinking to a minimum and to watch the weather, or know where you are boating, kayaking or canoeing.”

Officials say, in many cases disregarding boating safety can prove to be fatal.

The U.S. Coast Guard’s 2017 Recreational Boating Statistics, the Coast Guard responded to 4,291 reported boating accidents, with 658 deaths and 2,629 injuries in the nation. Around $46 million dollars of damage to property resulted from these accidents.

In fatal boating accidents, 76 percent of people drowned; 84.5 percent were not wearing a life jacket.

“In any kind of vessel, if the boat is moving anyone under 6 years old has to wear a type one or type two life jacket,”             “They have to wear it.”

Authorities remind everyone, if you plan on drinking alcohol this weekend, while operating a boat, be mindful of the law when it comes to driving a motorboat and intoxication.

To remain safe on the waters, follow these boating safety tips:

•     Children 6-years-old and under should always wear a life jacket;

•    Boating under the Influence is no different that driving an auto under the Influence

•    Keep distance between you and other watercraft, watch all around you while driving;( floating or semi submerged objects, other watercraft, swimmers)

•    Vessels less than 16 feet (including canoes and kayaks) must be equipped with one Type I, II, III or IV personal flotation device for each person on board. All personal flotation devices must be ready at hand and not enclosed in plastic bags or other containers;

•   Check the weather forecast; be sure to have enough fuel;

•   Be sure boat is properly registered and maintained;

•   Carry boat insurance that properly protects you, your guests, others and your boat

When an emergency occurs, boaters should call 911 or the local Coast Guard.