With summer in full swing and 4th of July weekend around the corner, here are some tips to help you keep your activities safe and fun!
Life preservers Aren’t Just for Kids. It’s not enough to just have life jackets on board – wear them! In an accident, people rarely have time to reach for a life jacket. This rule applies to adults and children. More people in their 30’s die in boating accidents than any other age group. Today you can even get vests for your boating dog. Remember, it is a NC law that children 12 years of age and below must wear a life jacket at all times when in a boat or PWC.
Watch the Back of the Boat. Carbon monoxide kills in minutes. Tell your passengers where your exhaust pipes are located and turn your engine off when people are in the water. Don’t let people “ski” or “teak-surf” by holding on to the back of the boat. Some states have made teak-surfing illegal after several tragic deaths. Carbon monoxide detectors are standard on most new boats; older boats install devices for less than $100.
Alcohol and Boating Don’t Mix. More than 50 percent of drowning result from boating incidents involving alcohol. You don’t drink and drive, so don’t boat and drive.
Boats Need TLC Too. When you’re out on the water, make sure your gas tanks are vented and bilges are free of vapors, oil, waster and grease. Carry a charged fire extinguisher. Have your boat’s operating systems checked yearly by a certified marine technician. The Coast Guard Auxiliary and US Power Squadrons also offer free vessel safety checks.
Experience Counts! The US Coast Guard states that operator errors account for 70% of all boating accidents. Make sure anyone who drives your boat is properly trained. You can also earn boat insurance discounts from some insurance companies if you complete a safety course with the Coast Guard Auxiliary or US Power Squadrons. Most courses cost around $30.00, but there is one that is free for the twenty-five and under driver. It is: http://www.boatus.org/onlinecourse/NorthCarolina.asp
Don’t forget the new law. Anyone under the age of 26 is required to pass a certified boater education class in order to legally operate any water vessel with a motor of 10 horsepower or more on NC waterways.
Sites for information: www.uscgboating.org http://www.boatus.org www.nws.cgaux.org/ http://www.boatus.org/onlinecourse/statelaws/ncarolina.html