The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
Following 9 state boating deaths in 2022 DEEP urges safety
Boating has become more popular in recent years, Connecticut officials say, but they warn it can be dangerous if people do not take precautions.
“Our waters are a treasure for so many Connecticut families and visitors, whether we’re boating, swimming, fishing, birdwatching, or simply enjoying the outdoors,” Katie Dykes, commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, said in a news release.
Gwendolynn Flynn, who does outreach and education for DEEP, said, “Boating safety is important because during the summer, that’s what a lot of people do. Boating is a great way to experience a relaxing time, a fun time. But sometimes the seriousness of being safe on the water is overlooked.”
Flynn noted there were nine boating fatalities in the state in 2022, up from seven in 2021.
“One boating fatality is too many in our view, so we really do try to promote as much safety stuff as we can,” she said.
When it comes to boating safety, Flynn said having the right equipment is a critical part of making sure people don’t get hurt. In the same vein, she said ensuring everyone is safe is the responsibility of the boat’s captain.
“The operator of the boat is responsible for the safety of everyone on board,” she said. “Making sure they have the safety equipment on and the right safety equipment on.”
Flynn said having the proper equipment, such as correctly fitting life jackets, is one of the main ways to keep people safe. Last year, when a boat capsized in Lake Wyassup in North Stonington, resulting in the death of a 4-year-old and three people being hospitalized, a DEEP report showed the child was not wearing the right type of life jacket.
Flynn said children ages 13 and under need to have their life jackets on at all times. All U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets have proper sizing labeled on them, as well as who should wear it, Flyn said.
“Going into any type of store that sells marine equipment, the labels will have the proper size,” she said. “Sometimes it’s weight, sometimes it’s the dimension of a person’s chest.”
Officials have said most of the boating deaths in the state could have been prevented with the use of life jackets. According to a Coast Guard report released earlier this month, there were 636 boating fatalities nationwide in 2022, a 3.3% decrease from the 658 deaths in 2021.
“Where the cause of death was known, 75 percent of fatal boating incident victims drowned,” the report said. “Of those drowning victims with reported life jacket usage, 85 percent were not wearing a life jacket.”
The report also noted alcohol continued to be the leading known contributing factor in fatal boating accidents in 2022, accounting for 88 deaths.
“If you’re anchored and enjoying the day, sometimes boating and alcohol go hand and hand,” Flynn said. Still, she said, the operator of the boat should always remain sober, as they are in charge of getting everyone back to shore safely. She said the stress of the sun, wave and heat can compound the effects of alcohol, and prevent the operator from driving the boat safely.
Another cornerstone of safe boating, Flynn said, is people continuing their boating education. People need their boating certificate to operate a boat legally in Connecticut, she said, and refresher courses help keep boaters updated on safety topics and requirements.
“We saw a huge increase of people taking classes, going out on the water and buying boats during the pandemic,” she said, noting DEEP also offers on-the-water courses where people can get hands on training as well as free vessel safety checks.
In terms of paddle craft such as canoes or kayaks, Flynn said operators don’t have to get a license or register their craft, but it is recommended that they learn the safety precautions that apply to all boating. She noted that people using paddle craft have to wear life jackets from Oct. 1 to May 31.
Flynn said preparation is also a big part of boating safety. For instance, she said people going out on the water should tell someone where they are going, what they will be doing and when they plan to return.
“That way, if they don’t return at the right time, that person can can contact local police,” she said.
Checking the weather is also part of boating preparation, Flynn said, adding that people should always do so before going out for the day. She said pop-up thunderstorms occur frequently in the spring and summer, so boaters should always have a plan on where to take shelter.
DEEP also said boaters should check their fuel systems and fire extinguishers.
“The most enjoyable boating experience is the safest boating experience,” said Peter Francis, DEEP Boating Division director. “Being aware of potential hazards and ensuring you have proper safety equipment is critical. With the uptick in the number of boats on Connecticut waters since the pandemic, it’s even more important that boaters prepare properly and get home safely.”