Boating safely: Things to know before going on the water

  • Published
  • By 66th Air Base Group Safety Office
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  Warmer weather is here and with it comes all kinds of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. One of those outdoor activities is boating. When the sun is high, the wind is blowing and the spray is keeping everyone cool, it's easy to leave safety behind.

According to the United States Coast Guard, there were 651 fatal boating accidents and more than $38 million in damage in 2012 due to boating accidents. Nearly two-thirds of fatal accidents were caused by drowning -- the number one cause -- and of those, 80 percent were not wearing a life jacket.

10 things to know before going

Be prepared: Have at least one U.S. Coast Guard-approved or UL-listed personal flotation device for each person on board and make sure each life jacket is appropriate for each passenger's height and weight. Life jacket requirements and information can be found at www.uscgboating.org.

No substitutions allowed: Remember that inflatable swimming aids, such as toys, rafts, water wings, ski jackets or belts and other devices, can easily puncture and deflate and are not approved by the U.S. Coast Guard or certified by UL as a life safety device. These items are essentially toys and should not be used as a substitute for a PFD.

Do not overload the boat: Capsizing and falls overboard are the most common causes of fatal accidents and account for more than half of all boating fatalities. Pay attention to the capacity label on the boat and be careful not to overload small boats with passengers and gear.

Inspect a boat like a home: Ensure that the hand pump on the fuel tank is sturdy and contains no cracks. Inspect the bilge pump to ensure all fuel buildup has been cleared and no cracks have developed. For boats with inboard fuel supplies, ensure the bilge blower runs for a full minute prior to engine start. Check the bilge pump for proper operation.

Safety equipment: In addition to PFDs, ensure that all the necessary safety equipment is aboard. A VHF radio with the ability to monitor the emergency frequency, channel 16, is a necessity. Do not rely on cell phones for adequate coverage. Cell service at sea is sporadic and unreliable. Make certain the flare kit is serviceable and that the flares are not expired. A sound producing device is also required. A bell, horn or whistle will fit the bill. A well-stocked first aid kit will help get through any minor injuries until medical attention is available.

Take a safety course: Approximately 90 percent of all reported fatalities occurred on boats where the operator had not received boating safety instructions. For those that own or plan on operating a boat, contact the local office of the U.S. Coast Guard to learn more about taking a boating safety course.

Remember the charts: Do not rely solely on electronics for navigation and trip planning. If the electronics fail, charts are a back-up. Keep a log for travel. Mark positions on the chart every twenty or thirty minutes for a sailboat, more frequently for powerboats. This information is invaluable if fog rolls in.

File a float plan with the Coast Guard: Filing a float plan will enable emergency services to narrow their search if someone is lost or overdue. Additionally, ensure family or friends know departure and return times, along with scheduled ports of call.

Check the weather: There are many weather resources available to mariners. Always check the weather forecast along the route before departure. Never depart with impending bad weather. Additionally, check the Notice to all Mariners for the planned cruising area.

Drink responsibly: Alcohol was listed as the leading contributing factor in fatal boating accidents in 2008. Sun and dehydration can heighten the effects of alcohol, so be aware and drink responsibly. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

For more information on boating safety, contact the Safety Office at 781-225-5585.