Safety Tips the Coast Guard Wants Boaters to Know About

As the Memorial Day weekend kicks off, the U.S. Coast Guard is sharing advice to help keep boaters on Tampa Bay waters safe.

Here are some of the tips the Coast Guard wants boaters to keep in mind:

• Take advantage of free vessel safety checks conducted by the Coast Guard Auxiliary to ensure your vessel is seaworthy.
• Be sure to file a float plan with a family member, friend or harbormaster before hitting the high seas. Plans should include personal information, information about the vessel, the intended destination and proposed return date/time, among other items of importance. A plan expedites the launch of a search and rescue mission should a boat not return to port when expected.
• Be sure to check the weather before heading out.
• Do not mix alcohol and boating without designating a sober boat operator. It’s illegal to operate a boat intoxicated and it’s dangerous, the guard warned in an email to media.
• Always wear a lifejacket. More than 80 percent of drowning victims were not wearing lifejackets.
• Consider purchasing and registering an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon. This enables signaling of the Coast Guard via satellite should a problem arise on the waters.
• Be sure to have a GPS, fire extinguisher and first aid kit onboard at all time.
• Considering maintaining a VHF radio, as well, since cellphone signals can be weak on the water.
• Don’t use the term “mayday” when conducting a radio check. This term is reserved for emergency situations.
• Have flares and other emergency signaling devices onboard and know how to use them.

“While boaters in distress should not hesitate to call the Coast Guard immediately, it is important that mariners remember to notify the Coast Guard if they are no longer in need of assistance,” the email advised. “If you do require assistance or rescue, notify the Coast Guard through VHF channel 16 immediately. Boaters in distress should not hesitate to call for help; the Coast Guard does not seek reimbursement for rescue services provided.”

Boaters are advised that hoax calls, however, are not welcomed. They can result in prison time and fines up to $250,000.

For tech-savvy boaters, the Coast Guard has an app that provides the latest safety regulations and other advice for boaters. It’s available online.

“The Coast Guard wishes all boaters a happy and safe Memorial Day weekend.”

Photo courtesy of the U.S. Coast Guard

See Also:

• America’s Best Beach Is … ?
• Memorial Day Weekend Weather: What to Expect
• Sheriff: Be Careful on Bay Area Waters This Weekend

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