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ARCHIVES
VIEWPOINT
By
Andy Peterson, Blaine Harbor
Last
week’s rescue of a capsized boater by the Plover ferry
inspired me to write a few words on the virtue of lifejackets
and basic boating safety. It’s ironic how the water
that gives us so much pleasure can also potentially cause
so much tragedy. As most of us know, it only takes a second
to become unbalanced standing up in a small boat while pulling
a crab pot over the side. Here are some suggestions for
safe boating.
I urge parents and adults to set a good example for children,
family and friends by wearing a reliable lifejacket. It’s
the law to have one wearable type U.S Coast Guard approved
lifejacket in good condition and readily accessible for
each person aboard your boat.
A number of different types and styles are available. Spend
a few bucks and buy a comfortable lifejacket that is appropriate
for your needs and that you’ll feel comfortable wearing.
Personally, I own a few that I wear for different activities.
Don’t use your lifejackets for seat cushions; they
only work if you wear them. I also want to remind boaters
of the personal floatation legislation requiring children
12 years of age and younger to wear lifejackets in boats
less than 19’ while underway or when a danger of drowning
exists.
Do not overload your boat! Grandpa’s small aluminum
boat may not handle four crab pots, two adults, three kids,
an outboard motor, a tank of gas, the family dog and a cooler.
Newer boats have a capacity plaque usually attached inside
on the transom. It will tell you how much weight and engine
horsepower the boat is safely able to handle. Remember to
sit down in the boat and, if you have to move around, keep
your body as low as possible. Be careful when pulling heavy
things like crab pots over the side of the boat.
Make sure you have flares and a good plastic whistle to
attract attention in an emergency. Small handheld flares
are now available that can easily be attached to your lifejacket
in a small pouch. Check the expiration date on your flares
and make sure they are in good condition. Tie the whistle
to your lifejacket. Blowing a whistle uses a lot less energy
than yelling. If you can breathe, you can whistle.
You’ll also need a way to get water out of the boat.
Excess water rolling around inside the boat will upset stability
and increase the risk of capsize. Make an inexpensive bailer
by cutting the bottom out of a clean bleach jug or gallon
milk jug (leave the top on) and tie this in the boat.
If you do capsize and the boat is floating, stay with the
boat! The shore may look close but in reality may be further
than you think. Cold water affects judgment and ability
to make sound decisions. Get on top of the boat and hoist
your body out of the water. Not only will this increase
your chance of being seen, but it will help fight hypothermia.
Water robs body heat and energy needed for survival.
Don’t forget to tell someone where you are going and
when you’ll be back. This gives the searchers a place
to start looking if something happens. Use good judgment
and keep an eye on the weather. Don’t get caught out
in a blow trying to pick your crab pots far from home. Be
conscious of your limits.
This is by no means a comprehensive list of boating safety
requirements and regulations. The Blaine Harbor Office at
235 Marine Drive has boating safety literature and a complete
list of US Coast Guard required safety items.
You might also consider taking an approved boating class
from the US Power Squadron or Coast Guard Auxiliary. Novice
and experienced boaters can both benefit from these programs.
The message is simple: Wear your lifejacket and educate
yourself to be a safe boater.
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