How To Ensure A Safe Boating Excursion
By Jasmine Maher, Thu Dec 8th While is relatively safe, much safer than driving a car, there are still enough accidents to raise some alarm signals as to why accidents occur. In an effort to eliminate or reduce the number of accidents that occur in the water each year, specialists have done some investigating and have found that most accidents are preventable if boaters follow a few simple safety rules. The most common accident reported is the man overboard accident. This type of accident represents more than 40 percent of all fatalities and is the most preventable. By simply not moving around while the boat is moving or reducing speed and keeping a firm hold with at least one hand if you absolutely have to move around, you can make sure that you stay in the boat. Wearing a life vest also increases your chances of survival considerably if you find yourself outside of the boat. It is reported that 53 percent of all fatalities are a result of drowning. Did you know that by simply wearing a life vest you could reduce the odds of drowning by 95 percent?
Undergoing a safety course is also a great way to ensure that you remain safe on the water. The lack of any formal training sets you up to be almost three times as likely to be inan accident as boaters
who have had formal instruction. Alcohol is also a great risk factor for accidents. The American Red Cross has estimated that two-thirds of boating injury victims was under the influence of alcohol. In fact, nearly 35 percent of all accidents are directly linked to alcohol. In order to make sure that you next experience is a safe one, follow the following safety tips issued by the College of Emergency Physicians: Tell someone when you're going, who is with you and how long you will be away. Then check your boat, equipment, boat balance, engine and fuel supply before leaving. Before starting your engine, open hatches, run blower, and most importantly, carefully sniff for gasoline fumes in the fuel and engine areas. When changing seats, stay low and near center line of a smallboat. Always carry life jackets and first aid equipment. Watch the weather. Sudden wind shifts, light flashes and choppy water can mean a storm is brewing. If you will be fishing, keep fishing and hunting gear clean and well packed. Never drink alcoholic beverages on a boat. Boating is one of the favorite American summer pastimes. Do your part to make it a safe and joyful one by following boating safety procedures. About the author: By Jasmine Maher Get more tips and info at Boat Zoneshttp://www.boatzones.com |
