Posted By Gail Kulp,
Tuesday, May 19, 2020
Updated: Thursday, April 9, 2020
May 19 - Text Someone Where you are Going
Texting or telling someone your float plan
for the day ensures that if your boat excursion extends longer than
planned or if you run into trouble, someone will know where you were
headed and have an idea of where to send rescuers to look for you.
Thousands of hours
and dollars are spent searching for missing boaters each year. While
many of these searches are for a good reason, a number of them are due
to the fact that no one knew when the boaters were supposed to be back
or where they were going in the first place.
Taking five
minutes to fill out a float plan would have prevented many of these
needless searches or allowed rescuers to narrow down the area in which
they are searching. The purpose of a float plan is to explain where you
plan to boat, how long you will be gone, and when you plan to return. In
addition, you should provide a number to call if you fail to return by
the appointed time. You should give your float plan to a trusted friend
or family member staying on the store. And, at the end of your boating
trip, don't forget to call your friend or family member to let him/her
know that you made it home safely. Click this link to the US Coast Guard
Auxiliary's Float Plan Form.
Please note that this is not filed with the Coast Guard and will still
need to be printed and given to a friend or family member.
Posted By Gail Kulp,
Monday, May 18, 2020
Updated: Thursday, April 9, 2020
May 18 - Attach an Engine Cut Off Device
When you get in a car, you buckle up your seatbelt before you drive anywhere. Similarly, before driving a boat, the operator needs to attach an engine cutoff device before turning on the boat’s engine. The reason why an engine cut-off device is so important is that it will stop the propeller from moving if someone were to fall in the water.
In most boats, a lanyard is available at the helm and it is supposed to be attached to the boat operator’s wrist or life jacket. Many find this restrictive and it only works if the operator is thrown overboard, so wireless options have been created to allow protection for the operator and all of the passengers.
FELL Marine is a close partner to the Sea Tow Foundation and they provide a vast array of wireless man overboard systems. In fact, Sea Tow captains use FELL Marine’s MOB+ system because they are often away from the helm as they are drawing tow lines or providing a jump start, and yet they are protected from an accidental propeller strike because they are wearing a FOB attached to their life jackets.
Today’s letter is A. Are you any closer to guessing the mystery phrase?
Posted By Gail Kulp,
Sunday, May 17, 2020
Updated: Thursday, April 9, 2020
May 17 - Emergency Signaling Devices are Required
If there is an emergency on your boat, it is time to signal for help! This may mean using a flag, a whistle, a horn, or a mirror, but the most commonly carried piece of emergency signaling equipment is a set of flares. However, there are two issues with flares. 1) Where to store them to keep them dry and yet easily accessible and 2) They expire after 3 years and need to be replaced.
First, you need a kit that will be resourceful in the toughest of situations – that’s where Life Cell Marinecomes in with its variety of floating boxes. These boxes are designed to hold all of your safety equipment in one place so it’s easily accessible and all equipment remains operational in the event that your boat sinks because the boxes float!
Sirius Signal Distress Signalsreplace the one-time use of your typical pyrotechnic flares with a single U.S. Coast Guard approved SOS distress device. This electronic flare is easy to spot and operate and it never expires. Sirius Signal also features an alert app – which helps communicate float plans, provides instant communication of location and the graphic indication of an SOS distress call.
Now that you’re ready in case of an emergency with your Emergency Signaling Device – are you ready to guess our mystery phrase too? Today’s letter is E.
Posted By Gail Kulp,
Saturday, May 16, 2020
Updated: Thursday, April 9, 2020
May 16 - Sober Skippers Belong on Every Boating Trip
A full day in the sun enjoying the open water is on the agenda. Your friends are invited and everything is ready to go, but first, before the day gets started, you need to know who is your sober skipper? Let’s make that plan now!
Launched in 2015, the Sober Skipper program encourages boaters to be or to designate a sober skipper before every boating trip in an effort to eliminate accidents and deaths related to Boating Under the Influence (BUI). Sober Skippers are identified by wearing a yellow wristband indicating that the person has accepted the responsibility before the boat leaves the dock and that the Sober Skipper is a qualified, non-alcohol drinking operator in charge of the boat.
Sober Skipper wristbands are free and can be requested online at www.soberskipper.com.
One of the biggest supporters of the Sea Tow Foundation’s Sober Skipper program has been Freedom Boat Club. Designed for folks who want to access a versatile fleet of boats on a regular basis, at an affordable cost of entry, Freedom Boat Club is part of 150 groups in 145 cities across 29 states. They collaborate with the Sea Tow Foundation to promote the Sober Skipper Program in each of their local communities.
The wind, vibration, noise, and the sun that you experience while boating can impair balance, coordination and concentration all on their own. Adding alcohol or drugs intensifies these effects. And since alcohol use is the leading contributing factor in boating accidents every year, it is critical to ensure that every boat has a Sober Skipper at the helm.
Posted By Gail Kulp,
Friday, May 15, 2020
Updated: Thursday, April 9, 2020
May 15 - Wear Your Life Jacket to Work Day
Today is the annual Wear Your Life Jacket to Work Day and the unofficial kick-off to National Safe Boating Week. Life jackets save lives and this fun day helps remind everyone to ensure their life jacket is ready for the summer season. Since we’re all practicing social distancing and many of us are working from home these days, we’re asking you and the people living with you to put on your life jacket and take a group photo! Then, head over to our Facebook page and share your life jacket photo!
National Safe Boating Week is a focused, week-long event that brings safety awareness to boaters prior to the start of the summer boating season. This year, National Safe Boating Week will be celebrated from May 16-22, 2020 and the Sea Tow Foundation has created a fun daily activity for you and your family. Starting tomorrow, we’ll be talking more about how to keep boating fun and safe each day during National Safe Boating Week, but each day provides a clue that you will use to guess what the mystery phrase will be at the end of the week.
Posted By Gail Kulp,
Wednesday, May 13, 2020
Updated: Tuesday, May 5, 2020
Great Books for Boaters to Read at Home or On the Water
It seems that in these uncertain times, many of us are getting our escape from land through the ever-changing waters of a good book. No matter what your interest is, the Sea Tow Foundation has created a list of books that can whisk your imagination away. Try to take some time to sit back and relax whether you are on land or on water and enjoy a good book with a boating connection. You can easily borrow these books in paper or digital format from your local library or you can purchase them from your favorite bookseller.
For those who like a feel-good story:
The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown
This is the story of the nine working-class boys on the American Olympic Rowing Team who competed in the 1936 Olympics in Berlin.
Maiden Voyageby Tania Aebi
An 18-year-old had an opportunity to sail across the world alone or obtain a college education. She choose to sail.
Everyone Said I Should Write a Book: The Travels and Adventures of a Sailor and Explorer by Jonathan White
This modern adventurer begins his series of short stories by depicting crazy experiences that only make you want to read more about his life.
For those who enjoy the classics:
The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway
This is the short story of a struggling Cuban fisherman who faces challenges and battles for what he desires.
Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson
An adventurous boy finds a map and sets sail to find buried treasure. Aboard the ship is Long John Silver who wants to keep the treasure all to himself.
Moby Dick by Herman Melville
Revered as “the greatest book of the sea ever written” this book describes the quest of a sea captain and his desire for revenge.
For those who want an exciting adventure:
Typhoon by Joseph Conrad
A British-built steamer sails into a typhoon. What does the captain do when the crew disagrees? What happens to the steamer? All answers are revealed at the end of this short adventure novel.
The Voyage of the Narwhal by Andrea Barrett
A mid-nineteenth century exploration into the Arctic. It explores the mysteries and discoveries of the explorers and their families at home.
Over the Top by Adrian Flanagan
Adrian Flanagan is the first person to ever sail vertically around the world – and he did it alone. Dangerous waters and an epic experience ensue.
For those who want to learn something new:
Chapman Piloting & Seamanship 68th Edition
This trusted book for boaters discusses everything from regulations to navigation and so much more. This book has it all.
The Useful Knots Book: How to Tie the 25+ Most Practical Rope Knots by Sam Fury
This is a guide to the most common practical knots a person might need to know. It comes with instructions and detailed images for tying each knot.
Boatowners Mechanical and Electrical Manual by Nigel Calder
Generators, plumbing, corrosion and more. This book can provide advice on how to take care of your boat and many complications that may arise.
Do you have a favorite book about boating? Please share below in the comments.
Posted By Gail Kulp,
Wednesday, May 6, 2020
Updated: Tuesday, April 28, 2020
Boating Songs to Enjoy at Home or On the Water
Boating is a way of life – on and off the water. While you’re spending more time at home right now, we thought it would be good to listen to some songs about boating while you wait for that next trip to the water. We’ve crafted a family-friendly list of boating songs to enjoy whether you like country, oldies or pop. And you can even take this music out on the boat whenever you get back on the water!
Posted By Michael Wesolowski,
Thursday, April 30, 2020
Updated: Wednesday, April 22, 2020
Boating Under the Influence & Life Jacket Age Reference State by State
Use this quick table for boating under the influence (BUI) limits, penalties, and life jacket age requirements from each state and territory in the United States.
The US Coast Guardrequires properly fitting life jacketsbe readily accessible and within reach of all passengers on board, along witha throwable floatation device. The table below includes some requirements for life jackets on human-powered vesselssuch as kayaks, stand-up paddleboard or other similar craft however for specific details, please check with your state for more details.
For children, the US Coast Guard requires that when a vessel is underway, children under 13 years of age must wear their life jacket. Exceptions are for when the children are below deck or within an enclosed cabin. To learn how to choose the correct children’s life jacket that fits properly,click this link.
Information on this table includes a link back to its source for each state and boaters should check withthe states where they intend to boat before heading out on the water to ensure that there have been no changes. The information in this chart will be reviewed annually by Sea Tow Foundation and updated as needed. The last review wascompleted in April 2020.
We appreciate your comments and you can comment anytime at the end of this blog post.
Federal Law requires that when a vessel is underway, children under 13 years of age must wear their life jacket. Exceptions for when below deck or within an enclosed cabin. State laws may vary.
Large fines and/or jail time plus suspension of operator's certification.
All persons under eight (8) years of age, on any vessel, must, at all times, wear a U. S. Coast Guard approved personal flotation device that must be strapped, snapped, or zipped securely in place; except, that no personal flotation device should be required when inside an enclosed cabin or enclosed sleeping space.
Th estate of Arizona's operating under the influence (OUI) law mirrors the states vehicular driving under the influence DUI laws and penalties.
All Vessels, including paddleboards and kayaks, must have at least one USCG-approved wearable life jacket for each person on board. The only exceptions are sailboards and certain racing shells. All children 12 years of aga and younger must wear a USCG-approved wearable life jacket while underway on the any vessel. the life jacket must be fastened according to the manufacturer’s recommended use and must fit the child properly.
Upon a first conviction, a person will lose his or her driver's license for a period of 6 months. In addition, jail and fine may be included.
Children under 12 years old and younger must wear a USCG-approved PFD securely fastened to their person at all times while on any vessel. Except if the child is within the enclosed area of a houseboat or cruiser, or within the area enclosed by railing on a party barge, cruiser, or houseboat, and the vessel is not underway.
Operating a vessel while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs is a misdemeanor and could carry a penalty of one year in the county jail, or a fine, or both.
No person may operate or give permission to operate a vessel sixteen feet or more in length unless at least one wearable personal flotation device is on board for each person, plus at least one throwable personal flotation device, which is immediately available. Under state law, it is an infraction, punishable by a fine of up to $250, to operate a vessel of any length unless every child under 13 years of age on board is wearing a Type I, II, III or V Coast Guard-approved life jacket.
It is a misdemeanor for any person to operate or be in actual physical control of a vessel in this state while Under the influence of alcohol; any controlled substance; any combination of alcohol and
any controlled substance.
requires all operators and passengers to wear U.S. Coast Guard approved life jackets and requires operators to use a lanyard switch. children 12 years of age and younger are required to wear a PFD whenever their vessel is on the water, except when they are in an enclosed cabin or below deck.
The penalty for a first violation may be: a fine; suspension of boating privileges, jail, probation, and or hours community service
Be worn by children under 13 years old on any vessel that is underway unless the child is below deck or in an enclosed cabin. Be worn by anyone in a manually propelled vessel from October 1 through May 31.
Every operator of a recreational boat shall be responsible for providing for the protection of any child 12 years of age or under by having any such child who is aboard a recreational boat upon the waters of this State, properly wear a Type I, II, III or V Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device which is in good serviceable condition and of the proper size. This section shall not apply to any child who is below deck or in an enclosed cabin or while said recreational boat is anchored or moored.
A person is guilty of the offense of boating under the influence is subject to fines, imprisonment, or both.
A person may not operate a vessel less than 26 feet in length on the waters of this state unless every person under 6 years of age on board the vessel is wearing a personal flotation device currently approved by the United States Coast Guard and used in accordance with the United States Coast Guard approval label while such vessel is underway. For the purpose of this section, “underway” means at all times except when a vessel is anchored, moored, made fast to the shore, or aground.
Those arrested for boating under the influence may lose their privilege to operate a boat or PWC until they successfully complete a DUI Alcohol or Drug Use Risk Reduction Program; and will also be charged with a misdemeanor punishable by fines and/or prison time.
All vessels must have a least one US Coast Guard USCG-approved Type I, II, III, or V person flotation device (PFD), sometimes called life jacket, for each person on board. Type V PFDs are acceptable only when worn and securely fastened. Children under 13 years old are required to wear a USCG-approved PFD while on board any moving vessel. Except if the child is in a fully enclosed cabin.
BUI is a misdemeanor and can include time in jail and/or a fine; and to attend and successfully complete a course on safe boating.
Children 14 and under must wear an approved life jacket when they are aboard a boat 19 feet in length or less whenever the boat is underway or under power. This applies to manually propelled boats such as canoes and rafts in addition to powerboats, sailboats, personal watercraft (jet skis) and fishing float tubes.
operating under the influence (OUI) is a Class “A” misdemeanor and can included jail and fines.
All vessels must have at least one U.S. Coast Guard (USCG)–approved wearable personal flotation device (PFD), sometimes called life jacket, for each person on board or being towed. All vessels 16 feet or longer, except canoes and kayaks, also must carry one USCG–approved throwable PFD. All children under the age of 13 must wear a PFD on vessels less than 26 feet in length when underway, unless they are below decks in an enclosed cabin or on a vessel operating on private property.
Boating under the influence violations will be subject to fines,
Imprisonment, and a loss of operating privileges.
A person shall not operate a vessel in Iowa unless every person on board the vessel who is age 12 and under is wearing a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket. A life jacket must be worn when the vessel is underway, which means when a vessel is not at anchor, tied to a dock or the bank/shore or aground.
A child age 12 and under in an enclosed cabin, below deck, or aboard a commercial vessel with a capacity of 25 persons or more is exempt.
Children 10 years of age and younger are required to wear a USCG-approved PFD at all times while on board a watercraft unless the watercraft is docked, anchored, or moored.
Violators subject to misdemeanor, fine, imprisonment, or both.
All children under the age of 13 must WEAR a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket (Type I, II, III or V) while underway on a recreational vessel under 21 feet in length on Maryland waters.
Penalties include the loss of a motor vehicle driver's license.
Life preservers are required to be worn by: (1) youth less than 12 years of age (2) personal watercraft users (3) waterskiers (4) canoeists/kayakers from September 15 - May 15.
A person commits the offense of boating while intoxicated if he or she operates a vessel while in an intoxicated condition. The offense of boating while intoxicated is a class B misdemeanor.
Each person under the age of seven who is on board any watercraft shall wear a personal flotation device which is approved by the United States Coast Guard. This law does not apply when the person under the age of seven is in a part of a watercraft which is fully enclosed, where such enclosure will prevent such person from falling out of or being thrown from the watercraft.
Subject to a fine, or jail, the loss of boating privileges, and to attend an alcoholism treatment program.
No child under 13 is allowed aboard any vessel when not wearing a Coast Guard-approved life preserver except when hunting waterfowl in an anchored boat. Operators shall be held responsible.
Subject to class B misdemeanor, fines, boating privilege suspension, driver’s license suspension, anignition interlock device (IID), and or Impaired Driver Care Management Program.
All children age 12 or under must wear an approved vest or jacket.
Subject to fine, loss of the privilege to operate a vessel, forfeiture of your driver’s license.
Any child 12 years of age or younger must WEAR a properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard approved PFD whenever the vessel is underway. If the child is inside a fully enclosed cabin that is a permanent, non-removable part of the vessel that is designed to carry passengers, then the child is not required to wear the PFD.
A child age twelve or under who is aboard the vessel to wear a personal flotation device approved by the United States Coast Guard while the vessel is underway, unless the child is below deck or in an enclosed cabin."
Subject to fines, imprisonment, suspension of operator privileges.
Children under the age of 12 aboard pleasure vessels les than 65 feet in length, canoes, kayaks, or rowboats, unless in a totally enclosed cabin. Pleasure vessels less than 21 feet in length from November 1 to May 1.
Subject to class 2 misdemeanors, a fine and or jail.
No person may use a recreational vessel unless each child under 13 years old on board is wearing an appropriate PFD approved by the Coast Guard unless: Each child not wearing such a PFD is below decks or in an enclosed cabin. The vessel is not underway. (Vessels that are anchored or tied to shore are not underway.) This new law does not apply to commercial vessels.
Subject to operator privileges may be revoked in addition to other penalties.
All persons 10 years of age or younger present on the vessel, wear an appropriately sized and properly fastened U.S. Coast Guard approved type I, II or III wearable personal flotation device while the vessel is in operation.
Fines, fees, possible jail time, loss of operating privileges, and attendance at a boating safety course.
A child under 13 years of age in a recreational vessel less than 65 feet (19.8 meters) in length on the waters of this state shall require that the child wear a wearable PFD approved by the U.S. Coast Guard while underway, unless below deck in a closed cabin.
Children 12 years of age and younger must wear a USCG-approved PFD at all times while on the open deck of a recreational vessel that is not anchored, moored, or aground.
(BUI) is the same as driving under the influence (DUI) and has the same penalties including suspension of driver license, possible jail time and fines.
Passengers, 12-years-old and younger must wear a properly sized coast guard approved life jacket whenever a boat is in operation.
Subject to fines, jail time, or both; loss of operating privileges; and completion of an alcohol program.
All boaters under the age of 12 must wear an approved U.S. Coast Guard Type I, II or III life jacket while underway on an open deck of any vessel. A person under 16 years of age a board a sailboard must be wearing a Type I, II, or III U.S. Coast Guard approved personal flotation device.
Required when a vessel is underway, children under 13 years of age must wear their life jacket. Exceptions for when below deck or within an enclosed cabin. State laws may vary.
Posted By Gail Kulp,
Thursday, April 30, 2020
Updated: Thursday, April 23, 2020
Get Ready for National Safe Boating Week with BoatingSafety.com
National Safe Boating Week is less than 2 weeks away and the Sea Tow Foundation wants to use this week to remind boaters everywhere about the importance of keeping boating safe and fun all year round.
National Safe Boating Week is a focused, week-long event that brings awareness to the importance of safety prior to the start of the summer boating season. This year, National Safe Boating Week will be celebrated from May 16-22.
The Sea Tow Foundation is celebrating National Safe Boating Week with BoatingSafety.com and we have compiled an entire media kit that contains images, social media posts, blog posts and daily boating safety tips to help boaters have a safe and fun time on the water. Plus, clues will be given out every day to lead to a mystery phrase at the end of the week.
And the Sea Tow Foundation is starting to celebrate National Safe Boating Week a day early with “Wear Your Life Jacket to Work Day” on Friday, May 15. With many people working at home or in different circumstances than they normally would, we want to celebrate our new normal and are asking people to take photos of themselves and the people they are living with while wearing life jackets and then post them to social media on May 15 and tag @SeaTowFoundation and use the hashtags #NSBW20 #BoatingSafety
To get a copy of the Sea Tow Foundation’s media kit, visit our website to download it for free. Or you can follow the Sea Tow Foundation on Facebook and Instagram and share their posts each day during National Safe Boating Week.
Posted By Gail Kulp,
Thursday, April 16, 2020
Updated: Thursday, April 16, 2020
Exercise at Home with a Life Jacket to Get Ready for Boating Season
As many states are under stay-at-home orders at this time, exercise is taking on many forms. Some people are taking walks around their neighborhoods or running up and down the stairs in their apartment buildings. Other people are taking advantage of treadmills and stationary bikes that they already owned while others are turning to exercise videos for inspiration. With that in mind, the Sea Tow Foundation has created a unique full-body workout that utilizes a life jacket to help you get ready for boating season.
The life jacket exercise workout video features the Sea Tow Foundation’s Executive Director, Gail Kulp, in her living room. No special equipment is needed other than a pair of athletic shoes and a life jacket. The Sea Tow Foundation has partnered with Onyx life jackets for the nationwide Life Jacket Loaner Program which features over 650 life jacket loaner stations at marinas, fuel docks and boat ramps. Kulp explains that the life jacket exercise workout involves six different moves – two that are focused on strength, two that are focused on cardio and the final two that are focused on the abdominal muscles (also known as the abs).Each move is completed for one minute and then at the end of the six moves, there is a one-minute rest before completing the circuit three more times. When including a warm-up and cool-down of a couple of minutes, the entire life jacket exercise routine will take exactly 30 minutes to complete.
A variety of free timers are available to be downloaded to a phone or tablet and can be programmed for the 1-minute intervals for the life jacket exercise workout. Music of your choice can also be played while working out. The full exercise routine is listed at the bottom and Kulp demonstrates all of the moves in the video. She also includes some default moves if jumping or running in place is too difficult for the cardio portion of the life jacket exercise workout.
The life jacket workout exercise video is just one of many tools being debuted by the Sea Tow Foundation to help groups and individuals participate in National Safe Boating Week which takes place from May 16-22, 2020. The Sea Tow Foundation has developed a media kit, images sized for social media and we have recorded a webinar explaining how to use these tools and many others in your local area.
We’d love to hear from you after trying this life jacket exercise workout with your comments below. Was the workout easy or hard? And, we hope that you’ll connect with us on Facebook and Instagram before National Safe Boating Week to join in all the fun!
Circuit (1 minute each – repeat for total of 4 times)
1.Squat while taking life jacket on and off
2.Lunge life jacket pass
3.Jumping Jacks while wearing life jacket
4.High Knees while wearing life jacket
5.Abdominal Twists passing the life jacket
6.Dynamic Plank while wearing life jacket
7.Rest
Cool-Down (2 minutes)
Stretch as needed
Disclaimer: Before starting this or any exercise routine, the Sea Tow Foundation strongly recommends that you consult with your medical team. The Sea Tow Foundation staff are not experts in exercise techniques nor medical conditions. By voluntarily participating in this exercise routine, you understand that there is a possibility of injury and you assume all risk of injury to yourself and agree to release and hold harmless the Sea Tow Foundation from any and all claims or course of action.
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