Every year in the past seven years, at least 85 percent of the recreational boating fatalities involve victims who were not wearing life preservers. The number has even spiked above 90 percent. That’s why Virginia Farm Bureau Insurance, in advance of encompassing tips to help you enjoy boating and the water safely this summer, stresses the need for boaters—all ages and in all sized watercraft—to wear a safety preserver at all times while on the water.
“Life jackets are made lighter and less obtrusive these days,” says Jimmy Maass, Safety Coordinator at Farm Bureau Insurance. “Accidents and poor boating conditions can occur swiftly and without warning. Many times there is no opportunity to quickly put on a preserver. We strongly encourage everyone to avoid the risk and wear a safety preserver before getting out into open water.”
Maass also notes that common sense is a recurring theme in his list of top tips to keep you safe on the water:
- Don’t drink and drive. Alcohol and boating simply don’t mix and can be a fatal combination.
- Stay alert to all hazards, maintain control of your boat, and respect the rights-of- way of others. Submerged objects are particularly dangerous because you cannot immediately identify them.
- Ensure everyone wears a life jacket.
- Avoid operating a boat in adverse weather or rough water. Keep an eye to the sky and an ear to the radio for changing weather conditions.
- Know and obey all boating rules, and operate your boat at safe speeds. Understand avoidance techniques.
- Take a safe boating course to brush up on your knowledge.
- Be smart about where and when you allow an inexperienced driver to take control of the boat.
- Before each trip onto the water, thoroughly inspect your boat to make sure everything is in proper working order and the appropriate safety gear is on board.
“Government statistics show that an operator with blood-alcohol content above .10 is ten times more likely to die in a boating accident,” says Maass. “Above asking for trouble, operating a boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal in Virginia and a violation of federal law.”
Maass also notes that boaters should keep in mind that all boat engines produce carbon monoxide, an odorless, colorless, poisonous gas that can be harmful or life threatening if inhaled. Be aware of the early symptoms (irritated eyes, headache, nausea, weakness and dizziness) and keep everyone away from the exhaust, especially individuals being towed by the watercraft.