Maine Boating Safety Tips - Be Smart And Responsible At Sea
There are few states that can match the magnitude of waterways that our beautiful state of Maine has to offer. We boast over 6,000 lakes and ponds, 3,000 miles of coastline and 32,000 miles of rivers and streams. And now that summer is in full swing, there’s no better time to enjoy our region’s many great bodies of water.
Boating in Maine provides benefits aside from leisure and relaxation. Each year, boating adds approximately $153 million to our state’s economy. With the additional revenue comes more watercrafts on our waterways, which in turn leads to an increase in boating accidents.
In 2010, the United States Coast Guard reported 4,604 recreational boating accidents in the United States, resulting in 672 fatalities, 3,153 injuries and approximately $35.5 million in property damage.
The following are important boating safety tips that all Mainers should know before they transition from land to sea:
- The age restriction for operating a personal watercraft, including a jet-ski, is 16. Boaters between 16-18 years of age must either be accompanied by an adult or have completed an approved education course
- Boaters between 16-18 years of age must always carry proof of age and course completion when operating a personal watercraft
- All Maine boats must carry a current registration sticker from the state. To determine if you are eligible for Maine’s Online Boat Registration Renewal Service, please visit the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife website: https://www5.informe.org/online/boat/
- Every boat should have one life jacket for each passenger on board
- Carry an emergency kit and cell phone at all times, and be sure to tell someone where you are headed and when you expect to return
- Test your boat’s lights before leaving the dock
- Slow down when in close proximity to other watercraft, swimmers and those enjoying the water
- Stay sober - most boating 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 boat owners take an official education course. For more information please visit: www.uscgboating.com
At the Law Offices of Joe Bornstein we see victims of summer maritime accidents each year, which is why we want to help educate Maine boaters on how to be safe on the open seas. When it comes to boating safety, experience and education can be the difference between a fun cruise and a tragic cruise.
By following the aforementioned safety tips, Maine boaters can improve their own safety as well as the safety of others. So go out and enjoy our state’s waterways, and remember, when it comes to water safety – don’t rock the boat.
Bon Voyage!
The Law Offices of Joe Bornstein - Maine Lawyers Working For Maine People.
