Boat safety tips for safe boating week

The sun is out, the waves are rolling and it’s National Safe Boating Week.

National Safe Boating Week, celebrated May 16-22 this year, is a worldwide campaign to promote responsible boating before the start of Memorial Day, according to a press release from the National Safe Boating Council.

Blaine Harbormaster Andy Peterson recommends using this time of year to refresh on boating safety.

“The weather is starting to get nice. Folks are dusting off their boats and are thinking about getting out onto the water,” Peterson said. “As people prepare to get onto the water, this is an awesome opportunity to remind people of all the learning opportunities there are to take boating safety courses.”

Washington ranks as the ninth state in the U.S. for recreational boating deaths, with 21 fatalities in 2018, according to data from the U.S. Coast Guard. The cause of death in four out of five boating deaths was drowning and about 84 percent of people who drowned didn’t wear life jackets.

The biggest safety tip Peterson recommends is to ensure everyone on a vessel is equipped with a life jacket to wear while on the water. Washington state law requires all boats, including smaller vessels like stand-up paddleboards, to carry one U.S. Coast Guard approved jacket for every person, according to the Washington State Parks website.

He also says boaters should take an annual boater safety vessel inspection through the Coast Guard Auxiliary or the U.S. Power Squadron, a nonprofit educational group on boating safety. The inspection will examine the required equipment on a boat to ensure the equipment is operable and hasn’t expired.

Blaine Harbor isn’t restricting boats from leaving during the coronavirus pandemic, Peterson said.

Restrictions for the marine parks on the islands have been lifted since governor Jay Inslee opened parks for day use on May 5. San Juan County is deterring non-island residents from visiting until non-essential travel bans are lifted, according to a May 2 press release from the county. Peterson also said Blaine boaters shouldn’t be crossing into Canada during the border closure.

People operating boats with a 15 horsepower or greater in Washington state must have a Washington State Boater Education Card, Peterson said, recommending courses be taken online through the Washington State Parks website.

“Unlike a car, if there’s a problem you can’t just pull over at the side of the road and wait for a tow truck,” Peterson said. “Really take those opportunities to make sure everything is in tip-top shape.”

Staying educated by constantly refreshing knowledge on boating safety will prevent complacency that could create accidents, Peterson said. Awareness of surroundings is also an important aspect, he said, including boaters knowing their distance from the shore, the depth of water they’re in and being alert on weather conditions.

“Boating is very dynamic, which is what is so incredibly wonderful about it,” Peterson said. “It can be a challenge and so rewarding but you need to be aware of your surroundings and the changing environmental conditions.”

More information on boating safety can be found on the Washington State Parks website at parks.state.wa.us/450/Boater-safety.