9 boat safety & life jacket reminders for the busy Fourth of July

While many people will be enjoying time on the water this Fourth of July, it’s important to be responsible and take necessary precautions during the highest-boating traffic time of the summer.

In 2017, the U.S. Coast Guard counted 4,291 accidents that involved 658 deaths, 2,629 injuries and approximately $46 million dollars of damage to property as a result of recreational boating accidents.

Here are nine key things that boaters can do to prevent a boating accident, according to the Insurance Information Institute and the National Safe Boating Council:

1. Always wear a life jacket.

Drowning is the reported cause of death in 76% of all boating fatalities — and 84.5% of drowning victims in recreational boating accidents were not wearing a life jacket in 2017. Boaters should wear a properly fitted life jacket in good condition at all times while boating.

Looking for a life jacket? Today’s life jackets come in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors, and materials, and are much more comfortable, lightweight and stylish than the bulky orange style most boaters know. No matter which life jacket you choose, be sure it’s right for you, your planned activities and the water conditions you expect to encounter.

Important life jacket tips:

Make sure your life jacket is U.S. Coast Guard approved.

Double check that your life jacket is appropriate for your favorite water activities. Read the label!

Take the time to ensure a proper fit. A life jacket that is too large or too small can cause different situational problems.

Check your life jacket is in good serviceable condition, with no tears or holes. Test to make sure it works correctly.

Life jackets meant for adult-sized people do not work for children. If you are boating with children, make sure they are wearing properly fitted, child-sized life jackets based on their weight. Do not buy a life jacket for your child to “grow into.”

2. Use an engine cut-off device.

Consider purchasing propeller safety devices for your boat. An engine cut-off device is a proven safety device to stop the boat’s engine should the operator unexpectedly fall overboard.

In 2017, the U.S. Coast Guard reported 172 accidents in which a propeller struck at least one person. These accidents resulted in 31 deaths and 162 injuries, all of which could be prevented if the boat operator was wearing an engine cutoff device.

It’s a good idea to assign a passenger to keep watch around the propeller area of your boat when people are in the water. Also, never allow passengers to board or exit your boat from the water when the engine(s) are running — even at idle and in neutral your propeller may continue to spin.

3. Never boat under the influence. 

Boating under the influence, or BUI, is the leading contributing factor in recreational boater deaths. The side effects of alcohol or drug use, such as impaired judgment, reduced balance, and poor coordination, are magnified while boating.

In 2017, alcohol use was the leading known contributing factor in fatal boating accidents, according to the Coast Guard’s 2017 Recreational Boating Statistics report. Alcohol was listed as the leading factor in 19% of boating deaths in 2017.

4. Properly equip your vessel.

Have the required navigation lights and with a whistle, horn or bell. Have on hand plenty life jackets and emergency safety devices such as a paddle or oars, a first-aid kit, a supply of fresh water, a tool kit and spare parts, a flashlight, flares and a radio.

Carry one or more fire extinguishers, matched to the size and type of boat and keep them readily accessible and in condition for immediate use.

5. Before you sail or launch.

Check weather forecasts before heading out to ensure right boating conditions. Know the latest marine weather forecast and keep a regular check for changing conditions.

Let someone know where you’re going and when you expect to return.

Check engine, fuel, electrical and steering systems, especially for exhaust-system leaks.

6. Pay attention to the load.

When you have passengers and/or a load, pay attention when loading. Distribute the weight evenly and don’t overload.

In a small boat, warn passengers not to stand up or shift weight suddenly. Don’t permit riding on the bow, seatbacks or gunwales.

Make sure that every person on board the boat gets and wears a life jacket.

7. Know & obey marine traffic laws.

Rules and laws can differ from state to state and violations can result in ticketing, fines or jail time.

Know the “Rules of the Road” such as operator’s responsibility, maintaining a proper lookout, safe speed, crossing, meeting head-on and overtaking situations. Know what’s going on around you at all times, and always travel at safe speeds for the environment.

Also, learn distress signals and other boating signals.

8. Shallow water safety.

In shallow waters, keep an alert lookout for other watercraft, swimmers, floating debris and shallow waters.

9. Beware of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Gasoline-powered engines on boats, including onboard generators, produce carbon monoxide (CO), a colorless and odorless gas that can poison or kill someone who breathes too much of it. Be sure to install and maintain a working CO detector, never block exhaust outlets, and always dock, beach or anchor at least 20 feet away from the nearest boat that is running a generator or engine.

Call me for all of your boating insurance needs. Hansi 706-410-2335

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