Maine Boating Safety Tips Help Summer Be Safe
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With more than 6,000 lakes and ponds, 3,000 miles of coastline, and 32,000 miles of rivers and streams, few states can match the magnitude of water that Maine has to offer. And now that summer is in full swing, there’s no better time to enjoy our many great bodies of water.
Each year, boating adds approximately $153 million to the state’s economy. But with the additional revenue comes more watercrafts on Maine’s waterways. And with the increase in boats comes an increased amount of boating accidents.
In 2008, there were nearly 5,000 recreational boating accidents in the United States. According to the United States Coast Guard, the accidents resulted in more than 700 deaths, 3,000 injuries, and $54 million in property damage. Of the 700 deaths, over 500 were from victims who drowned without wearing a life jacket.
At the Law Offices of Joe Bornstein we see victims of summer boating accidents each year, which is why we want to help educate boaters on how to be safe on the open seas. Because when it comes to boating safety, a little education can be the difference between life and death.
The following are a few boating safety tips that all Mainers should know before they shove off from land:
- All Maine boats must carry a current registration sticker from the state.
- Every boat should have one life jacket for each passenger on board.
- Carry an emergency kit and cell phone, and be sure to tell someone where you are headed and when you expect to return.
- Test your boat’s lights before leaving dock.
- Make sure to have an anchor and know how to properly use it.
- Slow down when near other boats, swimmers, and those enjoying the water. Your consideration will allow others to have fun.
- Keep drinking to a minimum as most boat accidents are alcohol-related. Like driving a car, it is illegal to operate a boat with a Blood Alcohol Content level over .08.
- Educate yourself on basic water safety and boating rules. The U.S. Coast Guard strongly recommends that every boat owner take an official boater education course.
If boaters can follow these simple safety tips, both their safety and that of others enjoying their time on Maine's waterways will be greatly improved. And at the end of the day, knowing that you had a safe and relaxing day out on the water is fun in itself, especially if you don’t rock the boat.
For more information on boating safety tips please visit: www.uscgboating.org.
