Holiday on the water? Safe boating info shared
While the roads and airways will certainly be busy this Fourth of July, there also will be quite a bit of traffic in local waters.
Sea Tow, which has been providing on-water assistance for 40-plus years predicts more boaters than usual for America’s 250th birthday, which increases the potential for accidents and on-the-water medical emergencies.
“Yet, most of these tragedies are preventable,” said Sea Tow officials in a release. “With Fourth of July, one of the busiest boating weekends of the year approaching, this is a critical time to spotlight the importance of boating safety and preparedness on the water.”
As waterways become increasingly crowded during the summer months, Sea Tow officials said having quick access to on-the-water assistance, safety resources and real-time support is more important than ever.
Sea Tow has released a new mobile app designed to help boaters navigate adventures with greater confidence by streamlining access to critical services, enhancing communication and providing a more seamless experience when help is needed.
Sea Tow officials said app’s standout feature is its request assistance capability, which uses automatic GPS sharing to connect boaters with Sea Tow’s trusted on-water help as quickly as possible.
“It also puts real-time marine weather data, coastal forecasts, interactive tide charts, wind conditions, and severe weather alerts right in boaters’ hands before and during a trip,” officials stated.
Some tips for safe boating and one caution about on on-the-water celebration that can get your fined and/or arrested
U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Fort Myers Beach Flotilla 91 reminds boaters that distress flares are not fireworks.
“Launching a distress flare without an actual emergency is a federal crime,” the auxiliary said in a release issued Tuesday. “Deploying a hoax flare triggers a false Coast Guard search-and-rescue response.”
Violators face severe penalties, including:
• Fines up to $250,000
• 6 to 10 years in federal prison
• Full restitution for the massive operational costs incurred by the Coast Guard
“Every false alarm diverts critical rescue assets away from real emergencies,” said Gary Martell, Flotilla Commander for Flotilla 91. “We want everyone to enjoy the fireworks from the water, but safety must come first.”
The auxiliary also offered some tips for a safe Fourth:
• Expect Congestion: Waterways will be packed, especially right after the finale. Be patient and allow extra travel time.
• Check Your Gear: Ensure all required safety equipment is on board and your navigation lights are fully operational before sunset.
• Designate a Sober Skipper: If your boat is partying, your captain shouldn’t be. Operating a vessel under the influence is just as dangerous-and illegal-as drunk driving.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission also offers some be-safe-on-the water tips, emphasizing also the need for a soberity at the helm:
• Designate a sober driver – About a quarter of all boating accidents are alcohol or drug related. Plus, operating a vessel while impaired is illegal and operators can face arrest if found to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Celebrate after you’re done boating or make sure you have a designated driver.
• Wear a life jacket – According to recent boating accident statistics, half of all boating deaths are due to drowning. This tragedy is preventable by always wearing a life jacket while boating. Learn more about choosing the right life jacket.
• Be aware of your surroundings – A significant percentage of boating accidents are due to collisions attributed to operator inattention or improper lookout. Pay attention and maintain 360-degree awareness while operating a boat.
• Take a Boating Safety Course – About three quarters of operators involved in fatal boating accidents have no formal boater education. An educated boater is a safer boater! All boat operators can benefit from taking a boating safety course, even those not required to complete one.
• Check your safety gear – In addition to all vessels being equipped with life jackets, boaters are also required to have a whistle or horn. In addition, the FWC recommends buying, registering and having an emergency locator beacon onboard. Boats also may be required to have lights, fire extinguisher and flares.
• File a Float Plan – Let family and friends know where you are going and when you expect to return. The sooner rescuers can locate an overdue boater, the more likely the outcome will be positive.
• Know Where You’re Going – Familiarize yourself with local boating speed zones before setting out and always travel at a safe speed for environmental conditions.
• Watch the Weather – Weather on the water can change rapidly. Always check the forecast before you go boating and keep an eye out for storms and rough seas.
• Consider an Engine Cut-Off Switch – Properly wearing a lanyard attached to an engine cut-off switch can shut the engine off if the operator falls overboard or is thrown from the proper operating position.
• Stay with the boat – If you find yourself in open water after an accident or your boat capsizes, do your best to stay with the boat even if it’s partially submerged. A vessel, even a small one, is more visible to rescuers so staying with the boat can increase your chances of being found.