Boating safety practices help save lives, increase enjoyment

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. William Linney
  • 6th Air Mobility Wing Safety Office
Although boating safety information is located around base, printed in newspapers, sent out via e-mail correspondence and posted on memos inside safety bulletin boards, both servicemembers and their family members are still receiving serious injuries or worse in preventable boating mishaps in Florida and throughout the country. 

Taking the time to learn proper operating procedures, becoming familiar with and adhering to federal, state, and local laws as well as never boating under the influence can greatly combat the potential for mishaps. 

According to the U.S. Coast Guard Office of Boating Safety, one simple operating procedures is for parents to always ensure their children wear a life jacket while inside or on watercraft. 

According to the Safe Kids Worldwide Web site, drowning fatalities remain second only to motor vehicle accidents as the leading cause of unintentional injury-related deaths among children ranging in ages from one to 14. 

Additionally, the U.S. Coast Guard estimates that the use of life jackets for children could help prevent approximately two-thirds of all boating-related drownings. In most states, children under 13 years old are required by law to wear a life jacket. 

The National Safe Kids Week campaign begins Monday and continues through May 6. According to the Safe Kids U.S.A. Web site, the campaign is intended to reach millions of households every year through efforts that include community safety events, educational information and tips and where individuals can receive safety devices and materials. 

Additionally, adults are reminded that children are also more likely to practice safe habits when they witness similar behavior by parents or other adults. 

For more information on boating responsibly, go to http://www.uscgboating.org/ or the U.S. Coast Guard information line at (800) 368-5647. 

The Coast Guard is asking all boat owners and operators to help reduce fatalities, injuries, property damage and healthcare costs related to recreational boating accidents by completing a boating safety course as well as receiving a free vessel safety check annually offered by local Coast Guard Auxiliary units.