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U. S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
SEVENTH COAST GUARD DISTRICT
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Coast Guard reminds boaters to safely enjoy holiday weekend

During the long Columbus Day weekend Coast Guard crews will be patrolling the waterways, conducting safety checks and looking out for people boating while intoxicated or operating in an unsafe manner.  However, due to the Coast Guard’s limited resources, we ask that boaters follow a few simple safety guidelines such as wearing life jackets, becoming more aware of their surroundings, including watching the weather, and understanding the hazards of boating under the influence of alcohol.

Drowning accounts for 70% of all boating fatalities.  Wearing a proper-fitting life jacket can be the determining factor between life and death in many boating accidents.  Simply having a life jacket on board the boat may not be enough if an accident happens.  Of the 498 recreational boating deaths due to drowning in 2001, the Coast Guard approximates that 420 lives could have been saved if the victim had been wearing a life jacket.

In order to be safe, mariners must also be aware of their surroundings, including monitoring the weather forecast continuously since weather conditions can change instantaneously.  The National Weather Service broadcasts marine weather forecasts regularly.  The forecasts can be heard by tuning into channels one through five on VHF marine radios, by checking the NWS website at www.nws.noaa.gov, or by calling 813-645-2506.

Boaters are also reminded of the dangers of drinking and boating.  The marine environment is inherently dangerous.  The addition of alcohol to the mix can be deadly.  Alcohol contributed to 34% of all boating deaths in 2001 and boaters with a blood alcohol concentration above .10 percent are 10 times more likely to die in a boating accident than those who consume no alcohol.  Studies indicate that only a third of the alcohol needed to make a person impaired on the road can make a person equally impaired on the water.  In addition to decreasing the operator’s ability to make good judgments, the consumption of alcohol also negatively affects the ability of passengers to respond in the case of an emergency on the water.  Also, intoxicated boaters can face both federal and state charges with penalties of up to one year in prison and up to $100,000 in fines.

In addition, boaters are reminded to always file a float plan with a friend or family member, have a VHF-FM radio and electronic indicating radio beacon on board, remain vigilant and observe safety and security zones while on the water this Columbus Day weekend.

Editor’s Note: Media interested in riding with local search and rescue stations this week or over the long weekend or wishing to discuss safe boating practices should contact the Public Affairs Office to arrange a ride-along or interview.

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