Memorial Day: Boating Safety Advice From Coast Guard

Memorial Day weekend is a time to honor our service men and women, but it's also become a time for family and friends to get together.

Many gather for barbeques or go to the beach while others enjoy heading out on our waterways.

News 3's Randi Hempel got underway with the Coast Guard and has some advice to keep you and your loved ones safe.

A crew from Coast Guard Station Tybee Island gets underway, checking conditions on a rainy Thursday afternoon. Come Memorial Day weekend, meteorologists expect the weather to improve, which means boaters will be heading out on the waterways.

“During Memorial Day weekend, a lot of what we see on the water during boardings is more people on the boat than they have life jackets," says Boatswain's Mate First Class Chris Pittarelli, with Coast Guard Station Tybee Island.

BM 1 Chris Pittarelli says 90 % of all fatalities on the water are due to people not wearing life jackets.

BM 1 Pittarelli says it’s important to make sure that your life jackets are close by and that the ones you have are US Coast Guard approved. They also need to fit properly, which means snug and secure.

You also shouldn't leave land without a float plan.

“A lot of people get underway for the first time and not tell anybody where they're going and they'll go explore. It's good to let your family know what area you're heading into, what time you're expected back and a phone number for them to be able to get in touch with you," explains Pittarelli.

A marine radio is a must too. Make sure it gets channel 16, the international hailing in distress. If you call for help, someone will hear it.

While it's a party weekend, drinking and boating don't mix.

"What I like to say is you're on a 9 ton vessel with no brakes going, 30 knots, probably about 30 miles per hour and people tend to think because they're on the water it's alright, but judgement is just as important on the water as it is on the road," adds Pittarelli.

Pittarelli says the driver and the navigator need to be sober.

Other items that are a must on the boat include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit.

Not sure if your boat is ready for the water? The Coast Guard Auxiliary is doing free vessel safety inspections.

Dates and Locations:

(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.

For more boating safety advice, click here, for our story on National Safe Boating week.