ALEXANDRIA, Va., - A long day on the
water exposed to the elements combined with crowded waterways and alcohol
consumption could be a recreational boater's ultimate
undoing this July 4th holiday weekend. "It's mayhem," said BoatUS Foundation President Chris Edmonston,
"So pull out all the stops and make safety priority #1 to ensure you have
a wonderful time on the water." BoatUS suggests
these tips to enjoy America's birthday on on a boat:
Everyone wants to see the show: Every boat owner becomes popular on July 4th
because they've "got boat". Whoa, that doesn't mean everyone can
safely come aboard. Overloading combined with intense wake action always spells
trouble on recreational boating's most highly-trafficked holiday. Keep to your
boat's capacity limit, ensure everyone has a seat inside the boat, and have a
life jacket for everyone aboard. Wearing life jackets, especially after the
fireworks end when the risk of a nighttime collision is the greatest, is a wise
move.
Get all of the lights working: In the dark, the only way to determine a boat's
direction is by seeing its navigation lights. Fix any broken lights before you
go - and ensure they are visible from 360 degrees. You may be surprised to
learn that just because the light switch is turned on, it doesn't mean your nav lights can be seen from every quarter.
Paddlers, resist the urge: Stand up paddleboards, kayaks and canoes are great -
but not in the middle of a nighttime fireworks display. Wearing a headlamp or
hanging glowsticks around your neck isn't enough to
be seen and may confuse other boaters. If you do insist on going out, stay very
close to shore and away from any boating traffic, have USCG-approved nav lights, and keep clear of any channels, marinas or
launch ramp areas. Assume that no one can see you.
Patience is a virtue: Wait a little bit after the fireworks show ends for
boating traffic to thin out before you haul anchor. It's also better to pass
other boats astern to avoid anchor line entanglements - one of the top reasons
why boaters will call for on water assistance from the TowBoatUS
or Vessel Assist fleets. BoatUS reports their 24-hour
dispatch call center switchboards (800-391-4869) light up like a Christmas tree
after the fireworks shows end.
Check your dock: Before you invite everyone down to the lake house, ensure that
any dock with electric service or a boat tied up to it isn't leaking any stray
current into the water. Minute amounts of alternating current in fresh water
can be hazardous to swimmers and lead to Electric Shock Drowning. An easy way
to check your dock is with a circuit tester and a clamp meter. If in doubt,
just shut off all electricity to the dock, relax, and enjoy the fireworks.
Boat Sober: While it's embarrassing to be arrested for boating while
intoxicated, it also means the boat driver has forgotten his or her
responsibility to keep everyone aboard safe. Wait until after you've tied up
for the night before drinking, or one of the hundreds of law enforcement
officers assigned to increased patrols may have to remind you in a very
unpleasant, humiliating and costly way. Drunk driving on the water can cost you
your car driver's license, too.
About BoatUS:
Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS)
is the nation's leading advocate for recreational boaters providing its over
half-million members with government representation, services such as 24-hour
dispatch, on water boat towing as well as roadside assistance for boat trailers
and tow vehicles, feature-packed boat insurance programs, money-saving benefits
including marina and service discounts, and vital information that improves
recreational boating. Its member-funded BoatUS
Foundation is a national leader promoting safe, clean and responsible boating
and offers range of boating safety courses - including 33 free state courses -
that can be found at BoatUS.org/courses.
Copyright © 2013-2024 WesternBass.com ®