It’s National Safe Boating week, and the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) is urging the public to learn basic water safety before boating season begins on the Puget Sound.
In a May 20 press release, the USCG said while the sun may be starting to poke its head out of the clouds, weather on the open water changes quickly, and the consequences can be dire.
“Education and foresight are the biggest determining factor of safety on the water,” according to the USCG. “In all accidents, the five primary contributing factors are operator inattention, operator inexperience, improper lookout, machinery failure and excessive speed.”
National Boat Safe week isn’t just for those out on speedboats and Jet Skis. Blaine and Birch Bay attract paddleboarders and kayakers from around the region, and the USCG said water safety is even more important for those smaller, lighter craft.
The National Safe Boating Council and Coast Guard recommend the following tips to stay boat safe this summer, and for every summer after that.
Check the weather – Weather.gov has up-to-date information on marine conditions and forecasts. Know before you go.
Take a boating safety course – The USCG provides a host of boating safety resources on its website at cgaux.org/boatinged.
Wear appropriate attire – Pacific Northwest waters are deceptively colder than the air temperature, a risk not often recognized by novice paddlers. Don’t wait until you’re overboard to get your parka on.
Wear a life jacket – Wearing, not just stowing, a properly sized life jacket is crucial for open water survival in the event of an emergency. “Wearing an improperly fitted life jacket is just as deadly as not wearing one at all,” wrote the USCG.
Make a float plan – Having a detailed trip itinerary, including information on how many passengers you bring and an emergency contact number, can help the USCG in the event of an accident. Use the USCG float plan template at bit.ly/3V9shqx.
Get a vessel safety check – The checks are free, provided by the USCG and take 15-30 minutes. After passing the safety check, you’re provided with a decal that informs any law enforcement agency that you are in full compliance with the law. If you don’t pass, no citation is issued and the Coast Guard will inform you how to fix your craft.
Know who to call – Dialing 911 is the best first response. When outside of cell service, having a VHF radio set to channel 16 (the international distress channel) and signaling “Mayday!” along with location, party information, distress nature, vessel description and if everyone has proper life vests.
Boat sober – It is illegal to operate a boat while under the influence of any alcohol or dugs, and alcohol is “the leading known contributing factor in fatal boating accidents,” according to the USCG.
National Safe Boating Week runs May 18 through May 24.
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