Memorial Day weekend marks the first time that many head out on the water. In light of that, The Dominion Post shares tips from the United States Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Pittsburgh and its civilian auxiliary members to help boaters and other water enthusiasts stay safe:
-Always wear a life jacket. Recent U.S. Coast Guard statistics show that more than 80% of boater drownings could have been avoided by wearing a life jacket. Using a life jacket while boating is like wearing a seat belt when driving or riding in a vehicle. Simply put, life jackets save lives. Resolve to wear one anytime on or near the water.
-Be prepared — take a safe boating course. (Visit http://www.cgaux.org/boatinged/.) For vehicles on land, most operators are required to take some sort of driver’s education course before getting their license. The same should be true for boat skippers. Yearly statistics show that up to 80% of those involved in vessel fatalities never took a boating safety course. Knowledge is power and such instruction may help you become “SEMPER PARATUS,” from the Coast Guard’s motto, meaning “Always Ready.”
-Get a free Vessel Safety Check. Boats that are properly equipped, in good operating condition and are safe from hazards are less likely to be involved in accidents and fatalities. Request a free Vessel Safety Check by visiting http://www.safetyseal.net, and fill out the “I Want a Vessel Safety Check” section.
-Avoid alcohol while on or near the water. At least 40% of all U.S. boating fatalities each year involve the use of alcohol. If you are drunk and get into an accident on the water, you will likely suffer financial and social consequences, such as large fines (similar to driving under the influence) and the loss of automobile driving privileges. But alcohol doesn’t just impact the operator; passengers who have been drinking are 10 times more likely to fall overboard and drown.
To learn more about the United States Coast Guard, visit http://www.uscg.mil
To locate a local Coast Guard Auxiliary unit, visit http://www.cgaux.org.
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