Boating Safety Basics
By Home Security Source 5/27/2010 | 11:21:28 amPosted in: Child Safety, Personal Safety, Travel Memorial Day celebrations this weekend mark the unofficial beginning of summer when boats are let loose from the docks and water skis dusted off. The water is a great place to spend time in the summer months, be it fishing, sailing or for water sports, but before you head out it’s time to review boating safety basics.
Passengers and captains alike need to be reminded to regularly apply sunscreen and stay hydrated. Wind, noise, heat and vibrations from the water can cause what is known as boater’s fatigue and after a long day of fun on the high seas you may be more physically and mentally exhausted then you are aware of.
It is recommended to always wear a life jacket while on boats and during water activities. The U.S. Coast Guard estimates that life jackets could have saved over 80 percent of boating fatality victims. When wearing a life jacket style comes second to safety, make sure everyone is fitted with properly sized jackets that meet U.S. Coast Guard requirements.
A shocking one third of boating deaths are alcohol related. Keep a clear head and a 0% BAC level while manning a boat; operating a boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal in every state. Even passengers should be careful of how much alcohol they consume because drunken riders are at a higher risk of injury, falling overboard and hypothermia.
Take a few minutes before leaving shore to make sure the people you are with are familiar with basic emergency life saving skills, are proficient swimmers and know where the first aid kit and emergency numbers are located.
If you’re unsure about safety basics or need a more comprehensive review, look into taking a local boating safety course and check your state water laws.
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