Coast Guard Urges Boaters to Practice Safety Over Holiday Weekend

The U.S. Coast Guard, law enforcement agencies and the Coast Guard Auxiliary urge boaters who take to the water this Memorial Day Weekend to practice the "Three Cs" of safe boating -- caution, courtesy and common Sense, according to a news release.

CAUTION:

• Assign a passenger as a lookout at all times throughout the voyage.
• Check weather reports before leaving home; if bad weather is forecast, adjust departure time or postpone trip.
• Keep a sharp "weather eye" while underway; if bad weather threatens, head immediately to a safe harbor.
• If underway between sunset and sunrise, Inland Rules require that bow/stern lights be lighted.
• Have life jackets readily accessible - out on deck, not stowed in a locker.
• Avoid shallow water areas and thereby, the possibility of grounding.
• Be considerate of manatees, dolphins and other marine life, including sea grass beds and mangroves.

COURTESY:

• Remember that every boater has a right to be on the water, regardless of boat size or activity.
• Give a wide berth to other boats, particularly those engaged in fishing.
• Prepare boats for launching well before getting to a  launch ramp; launch safely and without delay; if waiting for passengers, pull boat away from the dock and return when passengers arrive.
• On the water, Inland Rules require that boaters offer assistance to those in distress.

COMMON SENSE:

• Ensure that all required federal/state safety equipment, including life jackets and flares, are aboard before departure.
• Have plenty of water, food, ice, snacks, towels and sun protection aboard.
• Invest in a Marine VHF radio and know how to oeprate; in an emergency, a radio can save a life.
• Consume alcoholic beverages prudently; laws that apply on land also apply on the water.
• Practice the "Fuel Rule of Thirds" - one-third tank for the outbound trip, one-third for the return trip; one-third in reserve for emergencies.
• Have enough life jackets aboard for all passengers; kids under 6 are required to wear life jackets at all times on inland waters; on off-shore waters, kids 13 and under are required to wear life jackets at all times.

WHAT BOATERS CAN DO TO BE SAFE ON THE WATER:

Throughout Tampa Bay, Coast Guard Auxiliary flotillas offer services that promote safe boating to boaters at all experience levels:

The Auxiliary's award-winning and comprehensive boating education course, offered almost every day of the week in Tampa Bay communities.  The courses focus on safe vessel operation techniques and the safety equipment required by law to be aboard recreational boats.

Topics include:

• Boat Equipment - Operation/safety items; BUI/substance abuse; life jackets, anchors, PFDs; First Aid.
• Boat Handling - Hydrodynamics, heavy weather handling techniques; anchoring/docking; man overboard retrieval. current/tide considerations;
• 'Highway' Signs On The Water - Buoyage systems; chart symbols/reading; electronic navigation.
• Rules of the Road - Inland/International rules; stand-on/give-way issues.
• Navigation - Course plotting; compass/charts; GPS technology; speed-time-distance calculations.
• Marine Radios - Operation; distress/urgency/safety call procedures.
• Regional Environmental Issues
• Maritime and Nautical Customs/Traditions

All Coast Guard Auxiliary safe boating courses satisfy the new Florida law requiring boaters born on or after January 1, 1988, and operating a vessel of 10 HP or more (including personal watercraft) to complete and pass an approved boating safety course and to obtain the Florida Boating Safety Education ID card.  More information about the new law is available at: myfwc.com.

The Auxiliary also offers a "Vessel Safety Check" service, a no-cost, 15-minute, non-punitive review that confirms the presence and condition of required on-board safety equipment, including flares, fire extinguishers, sound-producing devices, life jackets, navigational lights, registration documents and other items.  Vessels passing the check are awarded a handsome decal; owners of boats not passing the check can rectify non-conforming items and have the vessel re-checked without citation.

USCG Auxiliary safe boating courses and Vessel Safety Checks are available throughout Tampa Bay, including Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Citrus, Polk, Hernando, Manatee and Sarasota counties.  Visit cgaux.org and use the "public education class list" link in the last paragraph to find locations for boating safety courses and Vessel Safety Checks.