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U.S. Coast Guard Urges Boaters To "SAVE LIFE"
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
 PITTSBURGH, PA -- To help keep boaters and anglers safe on the water this season, the U.S. Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxliiary recommends the following tips, which you can remember with the mnemonic SAVE LIFE:
Safety Gear: Double-check that you have all mandated safety gear aboard, like visual distress signals, fire extinguishers, a functioning Global Positioning System or GPS, and updated charts. It's also a good idea to brief your guests and crew on where the important items are located and how to use them.
Anchor: Unlike a car, a boat doesn’t have brakes! Having an anchor and rode in good condition with the bitter end firmly secured to your boat will prevent drifting, giving you time to think things through and making it easier for others to find you. It’s also easier to find you if you filed a float plan before you got underway, telling someone where you were going and what time you expected to return. This person should call the authorities if you fail to check in by a certain time.
Vessel Safety Check: A free vessel safety check from the US Coast Guard Auxiliary is easy to arrange. It can help you identify potential safety issues aboard your boat before you get underway. Go to www.safetyseal.net to find an examiner near you or for a “virtual” vessel safety check.
Electronic Communications: If you don't have a Very High Frequency or VHF radio, you are taking an unnecessary risk. A cell phone won't summon the closest potential rescuers – your fellow boaters or anglers – and you can buy a VHF radio for as little as $100. If you have a handheld VHF, make sure the batteries are charged and you have extra batteries aboard. In order to take advantage of all the superior safety benefits of a “Digital Selective Calling” VHF radio, like a one-button “Mayday” feature, you need to register the radio and have a Maritime Mobile Service Identity or MMSI number issued to your boat.
LIFE Jackets: Make sure you have enough life jackets to fit everyone aboard – especially the kids – as well as a throwable flotation device. The life jackets need to be in good condition and easy to reach and use; if they're in their original plastic wrappers, take them out. Inflatable life jackets need to be inspected, inflated manually, and have their carbon dioxide cartridges checked regularly.
The Coast Guard Auxiliary is the volunteer arm of the U.S. Coast Guard, supporting this service in most missions, except for military and direct law enforcement.
Submitted by:
U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary
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