Boating Safety and Loss Prevention Tips

• Tow skiers in open areas away from congested areas, narrow or winding channels or near docks, buoys or floats.
• Use a wide angle rearview mirror and a second person to act as a lookout when towing a skier.
• Stop the motor before taking a skier on board.
• Keep enough air pressure in trailer tires. Low pressure at high speeds causes accidents.
• Be sure your drain plugs are closed. Many boaters have launched the craft from a trailer with the plugs open.
• Periodically recheck the motor bracket clamps for firmness. A safety chain secured to the boat can keep the motor from falling entirely into the water.
• Open the hatch before starting an inboard engine. Fumes are dangerous.
• Guard against theft; don't leave your boat, motor or equipment unattended. Take equipment not permanently attached or locked away with you when leaving the boat.
• Keep fire-fighting and life-saving equipment in good condition. This equipment should be readily available. The first few seconds are the most important.
• Use an electric engraver to label your equipment.
• Before leaving your boat, be certain stoves, lights or lanterns and switches are turned off and cigarettes extinguished. And remember—no smoking while fueling.
• Lock your boat onto its trailer and secure the trailer to a fixed object when it is not attached to a vehicle.
• Improve operating skills by completing a Coast Guard Auxiliary course. For the boat handling course nearest you, call 800-336-BOAT. The Coast Guard Customer Infoline 800-368-5647 provides information on vessel safety checks. Half of all personal watercraft accidents involve operators with less than 20 hours of experience. Thirty-five percent involve riders under the age of 21.    
• Make sure everyone who drives your boat knows the basic rules about right of way, speed limits, ski restrictions and equipment condition.

Jet Skis, Waverunners and Wet Bikes
Jet skis, waverunners and wet bikes are fast, fun and inexpensive. As the popularity of those personal watercraft increases, accidents are occurring at an alarming rate. Each owner can and must take steps to make their personal watercraft experience safe and enjoyable.

Know the law. Before you take your personal watercraft into the water, get to know the boating laws and requirements in your area. Many states prohibit wake jumping, weaving through congested traffic and high-speed operation within a specified distance of shore, swimmers or moored vessels. Drivers and any passengers must wear proper flotation jackets. Inexperience = trouble. Half of all personal watercraft accidents involve operators with fewer than 20 hours of experience. Thirty-five percent involve riders under the age of 21. Reduce your risk:

• Improve operating skills by completing a Coast Guard Auxiliary course.
• New riders should use personal watercraft in open areas with little traffic.
• Personal watercraft that could exceed 40 mph may be more difficult for novice operators. Select a personal watercraft that is suited to your ability.
• Review the owner's manual carefully. Most manufacturers take a proactive position on safety.
• Know where your personal watercraft is and who's operating it at all times. Do not lend your personal watercraft. This puts you at tremendous financial risk.

Facts about Alcohol and Boating

• Most boating fatalities are caused by accidental falls from boats. A person's sense of balance is impaired by alcohol. Noise, vibration, sun glare and wind increase the susceptibility to the effects of alcohol. Contrary to popular belief, it is not safe to drink beer while boating; one 12-ounce beer contains the same amount of alcohol as 1 ounce of 86-proof liquor.
• Alcohol is present in the systems of half of all drowning victims. At a blood alcohol level of .05, your reaction times are slowed, inhibitions begin to break down and judgment is impaired. It takes about seven hours to detoxify from legally drunk (0.10 blood alcohol, but varies by state) to sober (0.00).

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