Be Safe In Your Boat This Summer
With warm weather on the horizon, Mainers are getting their boats ready for the upcoming boating season. Be it on the lake or in the open ocean, summer is the season to be on the water. But if floating freely is your idea of fun in the sun, then it’s important to take the necessary steps to ensure safety. And that’s exactly what National Safe Boating Week (May 16-22) strives to do.
Every summer in the state of Maine, we see accidents on the water that could have been avoided. From minor injuries to major fatalities, boating can provide more than its share of problems. In 2007, nearly 700 boaters were killed on the water, with another 3,500 injured. An estimated 70 percent of these accidents were on vessels captained by sailors with no formal training. Inattention, carelessness, excessive speed, and intoxication are generally the main causes of boating accidents.
At the Law Offices of Joe Bornstein we see firsthand the results of reckless boating and would like to share some important safety tips to make your next adventure on the water a safe adventure. Learn the rules of the water. Currently in Maine, by law you are not required to take a boating safety class to captain a boat. It is, however, advised and can help in the event of any unforeseen circumstance.
- Check for inclement weather and always plan ahead and accordingly. If a storm is approaching it is advised to get out of the water.
- Use common sense and be alert at all times. Be wary of other boaters and swimmers, and steer clear of larger vessels that have limited turning or stopping ability.
- Ensure that someone else on the boat is capable of handling all responsibilities in the event that the skipper becomes injured or incapacitated in any way.
- Equip the boat with at least one lifejacket per person aboard. Too often drownings occur because the victim was without a lifejacket.
- Know how to swim in the event of an emergency. Proper training is important and is taught at local American Red Crosses nationwide.
- Avoid alcohol as it affects impairs your ability to operate your craft. Alcohol is the leading cause of one in every five boating fatalities, and studies have shown that its effects are intensified by sun and wind.
- Place a sticker inside your boat listing the owner’s name, home address, and phone number. Upon finding a boat that has drifted ashore, the U.S. Coast Guard is required to search for the operator. With the proper identification information the Coast Guard can first attempt to contact the operator before beginning the search.
- Consider a Free Vessel Safety Check. The U.S. Coast Guard offers free boat examinations to verify the presence and condition of certain safety equipment required by State and Federal regulations. They also provide a specialist to examine your boat and give helpful safety tips and recommendations, as well as virtual online safety checks at www.vesselsafetycheck.org.
Without a doubt, being on the water is a favorite pastime for many Mainers in the summer. By taking the time to ensure the safety of your family, friends, and favorite float, your next boat ride will be a pleasant boat ride. And when on the water, it’s truly better to be safe than sorry.
For more information on National Safe Boating Week and other important boating safety tips please visit: www.uscgboating.org.
