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U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Offers Seven Tips to Stay Safe on the 4th of July
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
 DANGER AHEAD: 4th of July is the busiest,
and often deadliest time of the Boating Season
U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Offers Seven Tips to Stay Safe on the 4th of July
PITTSBURGH, PA – The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is urging all boaters to use extra caution while boating during the upcoming July 4th holiday. The 4th of July, along with Memorial Day and Labor Day, typically account for more than one- third of all boating related accidents and fatalities. In light of the dangers, the Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 78 is offering seven tips to stay safe while boating this summer:
· Always wear a life jacket: While in many areas of the country it’s hot and steamy, don’t be tempted to forgo wearing a life jacket. Accidents happen quickly and often there isn’t time to put on a life jacket once they've happened. National statistics consistently show that 80 percent of those who perished in boating accidents were not wearing life jackets.
· Make sure your boat is properly equipped and that required equipment is functioning properly: The 4th of July is sometimes the first and only time people venture out on the water after dark. Make sure your navigation lights work so you can be seen. Better yet, request a free Vessel Safety Check (www.vesselsafetycheck.org) to make sure your boat has all the legally required and recommended equipment onboard.
· Be prepared for emergencies: Take the time to familiarize your crew with basic emergency procedures, and show them how to contact authorities for help via marine radio or cell phone. If you boat in an area that requires flares, make sure they are up-to-date, but never use flares as a form of fireworks. Doing so constitutes a false distress call, which is a class D felony, punishable by up to six years in prison and up to $250,000 in fines, plus the cost associated with the false distress.
· Boating and Alcohol do not mix: Along with decreasing the operator's ability to make good judgments, the consumption of alcohol also negatively affects the ability of passengers to respond in the case of an emergency on the water. The effects of the sun, wind, waves and a boat's motion in the water can add to an operator's impairment. Intoxicated boaters can face both federal and state charges with penalties of up to one year in prison and up to $100,000 in fines.
· File a Float Plan with a friend: A float plan for a boater is similar to a flight plan for a pilot. It lists who is going, where you’re going, what the boat looks like, and when you expect to be back. Don’t file this with the Coast Guard; rather, share it with a friend who will be staying ashore, and instruct them what to do in the event that they don’t hear from you within a reasonable time of coming home. Visit http://floatplancentral.org for a complete plan along with instructions.
· Keep a sharp lookout for other boats, the weather, or anything that is unusual: The Coast Guard asks the public to be more aware of their surroundings, including carefully watching the weather, and celebrating responsibly. Report any emergencies to local authorities by calling 911 or VHF-FM channel 16. Any suspicious activity that might involve terrorism should be reported to America ’s Waterway Watch at 1-877-24-WATCH.
· Practice the 3 Cs – Caution, Courtesy, and Common sense: Exercise caution, especially in close quarter maneuvering with other boats. In such situations, slow speeds are better. Be courteous to your fellow boaters, and use common sense. Don’t cut people off at the launch ramp!
By following these seven simple tips, you could save your life or the lives of your passengers.
The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary is composed of uniformed volunteers who assist the Coast Guard in all of its varied missions, except for military and direct law enforcement.
For more information on the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, visit us at www.cgaux.org.
Submitted by:
U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary
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