Spreading the Word on Boating Safety

BOAT SMART FROM THE START!
2007 NATIONAL SAFE BOATING WEEK is MAY 20-26!

LIFE JACKETS: THEY FLOAT, YOU DON'T!
They won't work if you don't wear them!

To promote safe boating practices during National Safe Boating Week, and ALL YEAR LONG, here are some friendly reminders from the Saginaw Flotilla of the Coast Guard Auxiliary:

The term "personal flotation device" (PFD) may seem a little strange, but this piece of equipment is the most important item on your boat! Most people refer to PFDs as "life jackets." Each year more than 90% of those who die in boating accidents drown. Of those fatalities, more than 75% were not wearing a PFD. 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!