Safe Boating - What You Need to Do

Did you know that approximately 700 people in the United States die in boating related accidents each year? The majority of those accidents aren't caused by equipment failure or weather, but rather, poor judgement and human error.

The U.S. Coast Guard at Station Tybee are teaming up with other local officials to make the public more aware of what they need to do to stay safe while boating and to inform them about the deadly risks that come with unsafe boating practices. It's all part of National Safe Boating Week begins Saturday and goes until May 22nd.

"The Coast Guard is going to be heading out and trying to get the message out that safe boating saves lives, that items like wearing a life jacket, staying sober, being prepared a safe boat operated. You increase your survivability if you go out on the boats," explains Chief Jim Bodenrader, who's in charge at Coast Guard Station Tybee.

The all volunteer Coast Guard Auxiliary will be doing free vessel safety inspections over the next few weekends at boat ramps in our area. Look for the dates and locations at the bottom of this article.

Here's a top ten list of boating adivice from the Coast Guard.
1. Always wear your life jacket.
2. Avoid mixing alcohol and boating.
3. Check your flares, fire extinguisher and other safety equipment to be certain it's in good condition and up-to-date. The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and the U.S. Power Squadrons offer free vessel safety checks that can help identify these or any other potential problems. Know your boat and it's passenger capacity.
4. Familiarize yourself with an onine weather service so it becomes a routine part of your pre-departure planning. Knowing potential conditions before you go makes float planning easier. The National Weather Service broadcasts marine weather forecasts regularly. Tune your VHF marine radio to 162.4MHz or go to NOAA's website. Click here.
5. Tell someone where you are going, file a float plan. If you change your plans, let someone know.
6. Purchase an EPIRB. Register it with NOAA according to the instructions provided witht he beacon. Registration is mandatory, improves response and reduces false alarms, and can be completed online by clicking here.
7. Keep updated navigational charts on your boat and use them.
8. Register your Marine Radio, obtain a free 9 digit MMSI number that is assigned to a DSC radio.
9. Shut off your engines when approaching swimmers or divers.
10. Take at least one certified boating safety course.

Life jackets save lives.

90 % of all boaters who drown are not wearing life jackets. The U.S. Coast Guard has advice on life jackets. They say always wear a life jacket while on board any vessel. They say its important to buy your own personal floatation device and use it. Look for the US Coast Guard Approval Label. It will specify weight, size and use information. They say it's important to be comfortable in your life jacket. If it fits, you'll use it.

Vessel Safety Inspections Dates and Locations:

Saturday, May 16: Hogan's River Marina - 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

(Savannah Yacht Club safety inspections are for members only)
Saturday, May 23: Savannah Yacht Club - 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Sunday, May 24: Savannah Yacht Club - 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Monday, May 25: Savannah Yacht Club - 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Saturday, May 30: Skidaway Narrows Boat Ramp - 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Sunday, May 31: Skidaway Narrows Boat Ramp - 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Saturday, June 6: President Street Boat Ramp - 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Sunday, June 7: Lazaretto Creek Boat Ramp - 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday, June 13-14 are rain dates.