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With
American's busiest boating holiday, July 4th, upon us, the
waterways will soon be brimming boaters. The BoatU.S. Foundation
for Boating Safety and Clean Water says that making a few
extra preparations ahead of time will go a long way towards
increasing your family's and friend's safety and fun on the
water.
Here are ten tips that will help you stay safe this July 4th
holiday weekend:
1. Put safety into your weekend plan: The
Foundation's free Online Boating "Toolbox" at http://www.BoatUS.com/Foundation/Guide
has helpful information on trip planning and preparation,
boating equipment, emergency preparation, navigation, and
quizzes to test your knowledge. The Foundation also offers
a free NASBLA-approved online boating safety course for residents
of more than 30 states at http://www.BoatUS.org/Onlinecourse
2."Little" guests need life jackets: Everyone
wants to be on the boat this holiday weekend, but do you have
the right-sized life jacket aboard for any visiting kids?
The BoatU.S. Foundation loans children's life jackets for
free at over 350 marinas, fuel docks, and other waterfront
businesses and boat clubs. To find a location near you go
to http://www.BoatUS.com/Foundation/LJLP
3. Take your time to get home: July 4th is
the one time a year many fair-weather boaters - who may rarely
navigate in the dark - venture out after the sun goes down.
The most reported type of boating accident is a collision
with another vessel so it's a good idea to keep your speed
down, post an extra lookout, and ensure all your navigation
lights work. A spotlight is a must, and ensure all safety
gear is readily available and life jackets are worn. Be extra
vigilant about not running over anchor lines in crowded fireworks
viewing areas, and don't take shortcuts in the dark.
4. Wear life jackets: Almost three-quarters
of all fatal boating accident victims drowned, and of those,
87% were not wearing a life jacket. Accidents can happen very
quickly, sometimes leaving no time to don a life jacket.
5. Don't overload your boat: Resist the urge
to invite more friends or family to the fireworks show than
what your boat was designed to carry. Heavily loaded small
boats, and those with little freeboard such as bass boats,
are more susceptible to swamping from weather or wake action
associated with heavy July 4th boating traffic.
6. It's a long day: A full day in the sun
will increase alcohol's effects on the body, so it's better
to wait until you're safely back at the dock or home before
breaking out the libations. Also bring lots of water, a VHF
radio, and check the weather reports to avoid storms.
7. Know how to get back in the boat: A fall
overboard can turn into a life-threatening situation pretty
quickly, especially for small boats without built-in boarding
ladders. The BoatU.S. Foundation recently tested a range of
portable boarding ladders, and you may be surprised what they
found. To view video of these ladders in our boarding tests,
or learn which ladder may be best for you, see the Foundation
Findings #44 at http://www.boatus.com/foundation/Findings/findings44/
8. Never run the engine when swimmers are in the water:
Raft-ups, or groups of boats tied together in a protected
anchorage, is a great way to spend the holiday with fellow
boating friends. But you should never run an engine, or a
generator for that matter, with swimmers in the water near
exhaust ports or props. Even though the boat's transmission
may not be in gear, propellers can still rotate, and odorless,
colorless carbon monoxide can quickly overcome swimmers.
9. Take a local boating safety class: The
Foundation has most complete list of boating safety courses
taught in communities across the country. To find one near
you, go to http://www.BoatUS.com/Courseline
10. Cruising offshore? An emergency position
indicating rescue beacon (EPIRB) from the BoatU.S. Foundation's
EPIRB rental program will give you the margin of safety you
need during an offshore passage. These $750 beacons rent for
just $40 per week (plus shipping). Go to http://www.BoatUS.com/Foundation/Epirb
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