Anchor your boating season with safety
As a result of the pandemic-fueled boom in boat sales, the number of boats on the water in and around Connecticut has skyrocketed over the past two years. Since there is such a higher number of boaters, many of whom are first-time owners, it’s important that we all keep safety in mind.
One way the boating industry does this is through National Safe Boating Week (May 21-27). The annual event brings awareness of safe boating practices before the start of the summer boating season. As we have recently seen here in Wyassup Lake and on Long Island Sound, it’s time for awareness. Three people died last month — including a child — in two boating accidents in Connecticut. One incident involved a capsized boat, and the other involved boaters in distress in rough sea conditions just off the coast.
According to the most recent U.S.
Coast Guard recreational boating statistics, Connecticut has also experienced a three-year uptick in boating accidents. In 2020, there were 54 boating accidents, an increase of 14 from 2019. The Coast Guard also reported a sharp increase in the number of overall deaths last year from May through July, which underscores the importance of practicing boating safety right now.
We know that many accidents are preventable. We want all boaters — from the novice to seasoned boaters — to consider these essential safe boating tips as they prepare to shove off for the first time this year:
Know the new laws and regulations: As of April 1, 2021, recreational boats less than 26 feet in length are required to have and use an engine cut-off switch, if equipped, which is designed to stop a boat’s engine if the operator is thrown from the helm. Additionally, a new fire extinguisher regulation effective April 20 requires that disposable fire extinguishers must be replaced 12 years after they are manufactured. If you have questions about these regulations, take advantage of a free vessel safety check through your local
U.S. Coast Guard auxiliary or U.S. Power Squadron. Wear your life jacket: Accidents can happen without warning, and by the time you find yourself in distress, it might be too late to put on a life jacket. The Boatus Foundation’s Life Jacket Loaner Program for kids provides a free and simple way to borrow an infant, child or teen life jacket, with loaner locations at many marinas, boat clubs and other waterfront locations.
Take a boating safety course: Learn valuable tips before putting your boat in the water. Many courses can be completed online.
File a float plan: Make sure someone you trust knows where you’re boating. Include details about the trip, your boat, and the number of people aboard.
Check the forecast: This includes the wind, as well as the air and water temperature, in addition to forecasts for inclement weather. Keep in mind that if you’re in the water on a seemingly warm and sunny day, you can still succumb to hypothermia if the water is cold. Don’t drink and boat: Alcohol use is the leading contributing factor in fatal boating accidents.
Boating can bring amazing experiences to you, your family and friends. By following these tips, we can all have a safe and enjoyable boating season that will go down in the memory books for years to come.