Boating Safety ? FishMonster Magazine

Summer is in full swing and we are in the peak of boating season in Florida.
There are very few recreational activities that are as much fun and relaxing
as boating so by all means go boating have fun but remember be safe and
don?t overdo the good times. I have included a few very helpful tips from
the USCG that just might help you insure your next boating trip is a safe
one

Boating Safety
Boating is a very popular pastime which can be highly rewarding. However,
there are also dangers associated with boating. In 2011, the United States
Coast Guard (USCG) reported 758 deaths, 3,081 injuries, and 4,588 accidents
due to recreational boating. Property damage was estimated to be more than
$52 million. These are the reasons why it?s important to practice boating
safety. Whether you are out at sea or in the flats or back bays, you have to
develop the necessary skills to operate a boat properly. When you are in the
boat, you have to know exactly what you are doing. In case of an emergency,
you have to know how to react to the situation.

BOATING AND THE LAW
Before you set off on a boating trip, it?s a good idea to learn about the
laws and regulations pertaining to recreational boating. Every local area
has specific boating laws so it?s essential to check the laws in the local
area where you will be boating. Also note that most states update their
boating laws every year so what?s permissible the past year may be illegal
this year. Boating laws are usually related to vessel registration, boating
equipment, accidents, reckless and careless operation, violator education,
vessel speed restrictions, boating under the influence, boating safety
education, interference with navigation, and more. Not in Florida but in
some states you would also need to apply for a boating license which allows
you to operate a boat legally. It usually involves a course and an
examination, just like you are applying for a drivers license. To protect
you and other boaters, all states have strict laws on careless boating as
well as boating under the influence. The USCG requires all vessels to have
safety equipment on board such as USGC-approved PFDs, fire extinguishers,
whistles, nighttime visual distress signals, and so on. As you can see,
boating laws can be quite complicated so it?s best to be fully prepared.

BOATING SAFETY ADVICE
Some people have the misconception that it?s very easy to operate a boat but
it?s certainly not true. To be an excellent boater, it?s important to know
all the systems and terms of boating like starboard, hull, keel, rudder,
propeller, port, stern, bow, and so on. While you don?t need all the skills
of a professional boater, you do have to know basic boat operation. There is
also boating etiquette and rules of the waterway. Similar to driving
etiquette, boating etiquette promises safer and friendlier waterways. To
enjoy your boating trip, learn about the rules of boating, being courteous,
passing boats, wake zones, and watching out for swimmers. Most people who go
boating also engage in some water sports like water skiing, wakeboarding,
snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing, tubing, and so on. Find out about safety
for these sports. The ocean is vast and it can be dangerous so you have to
know about sharks, predatory fish, stingrays, and jellyfish. General
knowledge of wildlife and environmental protection are also a very important
element of boating so make sure you are familiar with local laws and
regulations.

BOATING AND THE WEATHER
Weather is a large part of boating. Hurricanes, typhoons, lightning, storms,
high pressure, low pressure and other weather elements can ruin a perfectly
planned boating trip. To ensure a great boating experience, it?s important
to keep track of weather changes and warnings. Learn about lightning safety
so you know why lightning is attracted to boats in the water and how to
reduce the chances of being struck by lightning. If you are caught in a
storm, you will need to know how to stay calm and navigate the boat to
safety. Find out about all the different types of storms like hurricanes,
tropical storms, and so on. Strong tides and currents can also be dangerous
so you need to know how tides and currents work.

BOATING AND EMERGENCIES
Emergencies can occur during a boating trip. Most people think that they
know how to react in the event of an emergency but being totally prepared is
highly recommended. In most situations, you only have a very short time
frame to salvage the situation. When panic sets in, all the guidelines and
safety recommendations could be abandoned so you have to be mentally
prepared to stick to the procedures. During an emergency, you have to
contact the USCG immediately. Make sure that all communication devices are
in working order and learn all you can about rescue signals, SOS, flares,
and so on. Sometimes people on board cam suffer injuries so it?s essential
to learn basic lifesaving techniques like CPR and first aid. Know what to do
when someone is drowning or unconscious. Until the professionals arrive, you
need to know how to care for an injured person so it?s best to be thoroughly
prepared.

Just remember preparation is the key to safe boating, so be prepared, have
fun and return safely.

Source: http://fishmonster.com/reports/boating-safety/

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