Before You Go Boating

There are several things to consider when it comes to boating safety. Each year in the United States, hundreds of fatalities occur due to a variety of factors related to recreational boating. In this audio program, we will focus on boating safety requirements and topics that every recreational boater should know about before engaging in this enjoyable yet potentially hazardous activity.

Who needs a life raft?

Regardless of how large or small a boat may be, everyone who goes boating should have a life raft on board. Life rafts are designed to stay afloat for at least four or five days. The best size of life raft is big enough to fit each person on your vessel. The Coast Guard also recommends about 4 cubic feet per person. However, a raft that it too big gives more room for body heat to escape, so choose a good fit. To reduce the amount of damage to a life raft, do not store it in the engine room. If possible, store it where it is readily accessible in the event of an emergency. Buying and maintaining a life raft can cost $2000 and up. Plan to purchase a new life raft every 12 to 15 years.

When is it a requirement to file a boating accident report?

According to the U.S. Coast Guard, you must file a formal written report of an accident you were involved in when someone dies, is injured outside of first aid, when damage or loss of a vessel amounts to more than $2,000, or if any person on board disappears. A person must file a boating accident report within 48 hours if the disaster involves death or within a 24-hour period after the accident or sustaining injuries beyond first aid. With property damage or loss, a person involved must report the incident within 10 days.

What role does alcohol play in boating accidents?

About half of all boating accidents have involved either alcohol or drugs. According to a report compiled by the US Coast Guard, alcohol was a direct or indirect contributing factor in about 25% of all boating fatalities in 2005. Boating under the influence is very hazardous and can be much more dangerous than driving on the highway while intoxicated. Boaters are exposed to certain "stressors" that do not directly affect drivers. These stressors include the sun, wind, noise, glare, water motion, and vibration. Exposure to these elements for even as little as four hours has been shown to produce a sort of "boater's hypnosis" equal to the sort of behavior produced by an intoxicated person on land. Boater's hypnosis can be explained as a fatigue that considerably hinders reaction time. Add alcohol or drugs into that mix, and your balance and judgment become significantly impaired. Alcohol and boating can be a fatal combination.

Who should wear life jackets?

The kind of boating activity you will be engaging in, what kind of water conditions you will be around, and how far away from the shore you will be, is going to determine what kind of life jacket or personal flotation device (PFD) is suitable for you to wear. You should always wear a PFD that is approved by the US Coast Guard with any type of boating activity, regardless of your age or experience. Accidents happen, so boat safely.

What kind of lifejackets are there?

There are five main types of life jackets or personal flotation devices approved by the US Coast Guard. They range from Type I to Type V. Type I, II, and III are mainly worn by recreational boaters, while Type IV are throwable devices such as life preservers. Type I is an offshore life jacket. These PFDs are better suited for open or rough waters and are designed to turn unconscious victims face up in the water. Type II is a near shore buoyancy vest, made for calm waters where rescue is almost immediate. This is best for people that are conscious and do not need help keeping their head above water. Type III is simply called a flotation aid, favored by operators of canoes, kayaks, and sailboat racers. Type IV are throwable devices used in heavy boat traffic areas, and should only be thrown by one who is has been trained to do so. They are usually in the shape of rings or cushions. Type V PFD's are special purpose life jackets. They are worn during specific water activities such as white water rafting and may also be better suited for cooler climates.

What is a safe speed limit on the water?

There is no set speed while on the water. Yet traveling on a boat at a safe speed can help prevent potential accidents, so ensure your passengers feel safe and enjoy themselves. If you feel that you or someone else could possibly be tossed overboard from the speed of the boat, you are likely going too fast. If you happen to be bouncing out of your seat while traveling, you are going too fast for comfort and safety.

What is a "Float Plan"?

A float plan is basically a list of information about you and the trip your boat will be making. Details on your float plan may include a description of the vessel, number, and contact information of each person on board, where you are plan to go, and your estimated arrival time. If you and your crew go missing, this little piece of information can greatly help the Coast Guard or search teams locate the missing boat. Before beginning any excursion by boat, it is a good idea to leave this information with a friend or relative, at the marina, or nearby yacht club. It is also recommended to check in every now and then via telephone or radio after you've begun your trip. Even owners of the smallest water vessels are encouraged to create a float plan.

What should every boat have on board in case of an emergency?

No matter how large or small a boat may be, there are a few things that every boat should have on board in case of emergencies. Each boat is required to have a life jacket for each person on the boat. Life jackets should be worn at all times when engaged in any boating activity. A whistle or two should always be on board because it's a well recognized help signal. Especially during times of limited visibility, a whistle is necessary to send out a distress signal. Having a flashlight on a board is also a good idea, especially if you need to signal for help in the dark or in bad weather conditions. A bucket can remove water from a boat or be used as a distress signal by banging on it or waving it. A first aid kit should always be on board, and it should include a blanket to prevent hypothermia. Keep at least two ropes on a boat to use if someone falls overboard or to tie up the boat. A mirror or shiny object is especially useful when signaling for help in the daytime. Lastly, keep enough bright plastic bags on board can help keep items dry and shield passengers from a rainstorm.

What is a safe speed limit on the water?

There is no set speed while on the water. Yet traveling on a boat at a safe speed can help prevent potential accidents, so ensure your passengers feel safe and enjoy themselves. If you feel that you or someone else could possibly be tossed overboard from the speed of the boat, you are likely going too fast. If you happen to be bouncing out of your seat while traveling, you are going too fast for comfort and safety.

What is a "Float Plan"?

A float plan is basically a list of information about you and the trip your boat will be making. Details on your float plan may include a description of the vessel, number, and contact information of each person on board, where you are plan to go, and your estimated arrival time. If you and your crew go missing, this little piece of information can greatly help the Coast Guard or search teams locate the missing boat. Before beginning any excursion by boat, it is a good idea to leave this information with a friend or relative, at the marina, or nearby yacht club. It is also recommended to check in every now and then via telephone or radio after you've begun your trip. Even owners of the smallest water vessels are encouraged to create a float plan.

What should every boat have on board in case of an emergency?

No matter how large or small a boat may be, there are a few things that every boat should have on board in case of emergencies. Each boat is required to have a life jacket for each person on the boat. Life jackets should be worn at all times when engaged in any boating activity. A whistle or two should always be on board because it's a well recognized help signal.

Especially during times of limited visibility, a whistle is necessary to send out a distress signal. Having a flashlight on a board is also a good idea, especially if you need to signal for help in the dark or in bad weather conditions. A bucket can remove water from a boat or be used as a distress signal by banging on it or waving it.

A first aid kit should always be on board, and it should include a blanket to prevent hypothermia. Keep at least two ropes on a boat to use if someone falls overboard or to tie up the boat. A mirror or shiny object is especially useful when signaling for help in the daytime. Lastly, keep enough bright plastic bags on board can help keep items dry and shield passengers from a rainstorm.

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