Each year more than 90% of those who die in boating accidents
drown. Of those fatalities, more than 75% were not wearing a life
jacket. Let's keep the fun in boating this summer -- wear your life
jacket. Remember, it won't work if you don't wear it!
The secret of boating safety is KEEPING out of trouble rather
than
getting out of trouble! So plan ahead, check your equipment and the
weather...and enjoy a safe day on the water.
Did you know that the vapor from just a cup of gasoline packs
the
same wallop as fifteen sticks of dynamite? Gasoline vapors can explode
if they come in contact with a spark of flame. Do check fuel lines for
leaks, and pay particular attention when fueling.
Frequently check all fire extinguishers aboard your boat for
full
pressure. If they are found only partially full, or empty, they should
be immediately recharged. Do NOT test fire extinguishers by squirting
small amounts of the agent, or the fire extinguisher may not work when
you need it. Dry chemical fire extinguishers should be shaken
occasionally to loosen the settled powder.
Don't lean over the side or stand up in a small boat.
Statistics
indicate that is the number one reason for people falling overboard.
When you stand up in a boat, the center of gravity moves up as you do.
This makes it easier for you to fall overboard if you lose your
balance. Moving to one side also increases the risk of throwing the
boat off balance.
Alcohol and boating accidents go hand-in-hand. Alertness and
a
sense of balance are crucial to accident-free boating. Alcohol slows
reaction time and numbs the senses. Balance is greatly lessened by as
little as one or two drinks. Alcohol is involved in more than half of
the nation's serious boating accidents. A good rule of thumb: DON'T
DRINK while boating!
After a few hours on the water, wind, glare, noise, and
motion can
have intoxicating effects. If alcohol is added the effects are
multiplied. Responsible boat operators save their drinks till they get
home.
When on the water, use the 1/3 Rule: One third of the fuel to
get
there, one third to get back, and one third for reserve.
Collisions are a major cause of injury and property damage,
so when
on the water, keep a sharp lookout and live by the Navigation Rules.
Take this word of advice from boaters who know...if your boat
or
PWC should capsize, swamp, or run out of fuel, don't try to swim for
shore; it's probably a lot farther than it looks. Stick with your
boat!!
BOAT SAFE FROM THE START --
ALWAYS WEAR YOUR LIFE JACKET!
Above:
Auxiliarists from the Saginaw
Flotilla work at the Mid-Michigan Boat Show on the campus of Saginaw
Valley State University.
Above: Lady
and Maxie go boating with
their "mom" often. They ALWAYS wear their life jackets, like all smart
(and safe) dogs should!
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National Safe Boating Week
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