U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary

In a year where overall recreational boating fatalities decreased from 710 in 2006 to 685 in 2007, the number of fatalities associated with the use of canoes/kayaks increased to 107 in 2007 as compared with 99 in 2006. This is according to statistics from the U.S. Coast Guard’s Office of Auxiliary and Boating Safety.

This figure represents 15.6 percent of all recreational boating fatalities in the U.S. in 2007. Of the 107 fatalities associated with kayaking/canoeing, 97 were from drowning (66 canoe, 31 kayak).

A recent study by the Outdoor Industry Foundation has shown a dramatic increase in the number of Americans participating in kayaking, a 23 percent increase in 2005 alone. As the number of people turning to kayaking and canoeing increases, so does the potential risk of kayak and canoe operators getting into trouble.

In the wake of Tropical Storm Fay and because we are in the prime eight weeks of hurricane season, I thought that a reminder on how to take care of your boat before a storm arrives might be in order.

Planning for the Storm
The four sources of danger to your boat are wind, rain, storm surge and flying debris, but with some preparation, you can reduce the damage to your boat. Always have a visual record of your boat in its undamaged condition, either by a video camera or still pictures.

After you have documented the condition of your boat, you can start preparing for the storm. What you do depends on where your boat is stored.

The good news is deaths resulting from recreational boating accidents fell in 2007, according to figures announced by the U.S. Coast Guard’s Boating Safety Division. The count dropped from 710 in 2006 to 688 in 2007, the lowest figure since 2004.

This is possibly a result of more boaters adopting responsible boating behaviors, such as making sure that everyone on board is wearing properly fitting, Coast Guard-approved life jackets at all times.

Many agencies are working to teach recreational boaters how they can make boating safer. These include the U.S. Coast Guard, National Safe Boating Council, National Association of State Boating Law Administrators, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Power Squadron.

by BOB CONKLIN

Some boating accidents occur while transiting to and from the water and quite frequently on the launch ramp. The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary says "a successful boating outing begins when you leave home and ends when you safely return home."

Since the majority of recreational boats in the United States are transported to and from the water, it is important boaters take as much care transporting their boat - whether it be a power boat, sailboat, paddle craft or personal watercraft - as they do operating their boat on the water.

By Richard Trollope
 It is a fact that safe boats save lives. For recreational boaters operating any size or type of boat, safety should be an all-important part of the boating experience. In addition to wearing lifejackets and completing a boating safety course, getting an annual Vessel Safety Check of your boat is an ideal way to boat smart from the start.

What is a Vessel Safety Check? It is a free courtesy check of your boat to verify the presence and condition of specific safety equipment required by federal, state and local regulations. A VSC usually takes about 30 to 45 minutes to perform.

Are you using a cell phone as your only means of communications from your boat? If you are, you may be putting your safety in jeopardy.

I want to take this opportunity to help boaters understand the importance of a marine radio as a critical part of a vessel's distress and safety system.

• The Coast Guard always monitors Channel 16.

• Many vessels within range are monitoring Channel 16. They will hear you but will be deaf to a cell phone call.

By RICHARD TROLLOPE

In order to enhance safety, federal rules require all recreational boats to carry one wearable personal flotation device or life jacket for each person on board your boat, plus one throwable life cushion.
There are four types of life jackets and the type you carry depends on how you are using your boat. In addition, state regulations require that children under a certain age must wear the life jacket or PFD at all times while they are on the boat.

• Type I PFDs, or offshore life jackets, are designed to turn most unconscious wearers face up in the water. These are mostly used on cruise and other ocean ships.
• Type II PFDs are near-shore buoyancy vests and will turn some unconscious wearers face up in the water.
• Type III PFDs are flotation aids for conscious users in calm, inland waters where there is a good chance of a quick rescue.
• Type IV PFDs are throwable devices, including seat cushions, life rings or horseshoe buoys. Unlike the other types of PFDs, the Type IV is not designed to be worn, but rather to assist a person to float in the water until rescued. Type IV PFDs must be immediately available for use.