Boating Responsibly: 10 Safety Tips

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Candice Page
  • Headquarters Air Combat Command Public Affairs
JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. --  As summer comes to a close and the children are headed back to school, many families will be looking to get their boats out on the water one last time. Recreational boating is a great way to spend time with family and friends but before heading out on the water, it's important that personnel make safety a priority.

According to the U.S. Coast Guard in 2013, 4,062 accidents involved 560 deaths, 2,260 injuries and approximately $39 million dollars of damage to property as a result of recreational boating accidents. Alcohol use is the leading known contributing factor in fatal boating accidents; it was listed as the leading factor in 16 percent of deaths.


Keeping these 10 boating safety tips from the Coast Guard in mind will help keep your head above water:

- Wear a properly fitted life jacket, it can help prevent drownings and should be worn at all times by everyone on any boat. Comfortable Coast Guard-approved life jackets are recommended.

- Don't drink alcohol; it affects your judgment, vision, balance and coordination. Boating under the influence is just as deadly as drinking and driving; it is also illegal in every state in the U.S.

- Take a boating education course. More than 7 out of 10 boating incidents are caused by operator error. The courses teach the rules for safe operation and navigation of recreational boats, and can help boat operators keep their passengers safe.

- Get a Vessel Safety Check (VSC), the safety check is a free public service provided by the Coast Guard Auxiliary and U.S. Power Squadron volunteer organizations. For more information on the VSC program visit www.vesselsafetycheck.org.

- Know about carbon monoxide. The odorless, colorless and poisonous gas is emitted by all internal combustion engines, such as boat engines and onboard motor generators. In the early stages, the symptoms of CO poisoning are similar to seasickness, but CO can kill in a matter of minutes, whether you are inside or outside of your boat. To avoid CO poisoning, be aware of the risk, ensure sufficient ventilation, properly install and maintain equipment, and use CO detectors, especially in living and sleeping areas.

- Checking the weather and water conditions can help with planning and ensure you're not stuck in poor boating conditions.

- Have a plan, know your waterway and if special safety equipment is required. Complete a pre-departure checklist.

For more information on boating safety visit U.S. Coast Guard boating resource center at www.uscgboating.org/default.aspx.