To be a safe boater, these are 12 simple habits which pay big dividends. These helpful habits could save your life. But don't just follow them during Safe Boating Week... use them all year around and be a good example to your children.
- Wear your Personal Flotation Device at all times. You must carry one wearable USCG-approved serviceable PFD of the proper size and type for each boat occupant. All PFDs must be ready at hand and not enclosed in plastic bags or locked compartments. In New York children 12 and under on vessels less than 40 ft. must wear a PFD at all times while on the water*, Pennsylvania requires all children under the age of 12 on boats less than 20 ft to wear a PFD at all times, and in Ohio, all children under the age of 10 are required to wear a PFD while underway. (*Exception: no PFD necessasy if child is below deck or in enclosed cabin.)
- KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: take a boating safety class available through your local Coast Guard Auxiliary Unit or local U.S. Power Squadron, and make sure you are properly equipped with visual distress signals and survival equipment. Learn how to return to your home port safe and sound.
- Properly maintain your vessel and get regular safety inspections. Always ventilate bilges before starting your engine. Perform the sniff test to detect gasoline vapors.
- Boating, drugs and alcohol do not mix. Do not operate any vessel while intoxicated.
- Do not overload your boat. Evenly distribute your passengers and your load.
- File a Float Plan with key information about your destination and estimated time of arrival. Leave it with someone reliable who will report you overdue.
- Check weather forecasts and watch the weather constantly for changing conditions.
- Know and obey the boating rules of the road.
- Have the proper charts on board so you know where you are and where you're going.
- Post a lookout for bathers, fishermen, swimmers, debris.
- Avoid excessive speed. Reduce speed in harbors and in confined areas and observe all posted signage.
- Watch your wake! You could be responsible for injury or damage caused by it.
The Boating Safety Expo is scheduled for
May 17, 2009 -10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
at the U. S. Coast Guard Base
1 Fuhrmann Blvd. Buffalo, NY 14203
