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Sea Tow Foundation Offers a Free Resource Kit for National Safe Boating Week

Posted By Gail Kulp, Monday, April 25, 2022
Updated: Friday, April 22, 2022

The Sea Tow Foundation has created a National Safe Boating Week Resource Kit available free of charge to marine industry stakeholders. The kit offers instructions on how to share a wealth of resources including safety tips, photos, videos, blogs, and social media posts to cover the entire seven days.

 

National Safe Boating Week is held from May 21 – 27 and the Sea Tow Foundation hopes that our for-profit and non-profit recreational boating industry colleagues can use this simple resource kit to participate.

 

To access the Sea Tow Foundation’s free National Safe Boating Week Resource Kit, please visit: www.boatingsafety.com/NSBW

Tags:  blogs  boating safety  boating safety tips  free resources  marine industry  national safe boating week  NSBW22  photos  resource kit  resources  sea tow foundation  social media 

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Marine Fire Extinguishers Must be Removed from Service After 12 Years

Posted By Kim Perry, Thursday, March 24, 2022
Updated: Tuesday, March 22, 2022

New Fire Protection Regulation

On April 20, 2022, the new fire protection regulation for recreational boats takes effect. If your disposable (non-rechargeable) fire extinguisher has a date of manufacture stamped on the bottle that is older than 12 years, the extinguisher is considered expired and must be removed from service. The most recently published rule can be found here. To determine if your fire extinguisher is approved for use on boats, the label on the bottle will state “Marine Type – USCG Approved”.

  

 

Carrying Requirements for Boats

There are no changes to when marine fire extinguishers are required on boats or to the number of extinguishers required to be on board.

The following recreational boats are required to carry marine fire extinguishers:

  1. Boats with permanently installed fuel tank(s), or

  2. Spaces that are capable of trapping fumes, such as a
    - Closed compartments, such as those under seats with space large enough to store a portable fuel tank.
    - Double bottoms that are not sealed to the hull or that are not completely filled with flotation material.
    - Closed living space.
    - Closed stowage compartment in which combustible or flammable materials is stowed.

For all fire extinguisher requirements for the recreational boater, including how many are needed for different boat sizes, go to the U.S. Coast Guard FAQ page.

 

Ready When You Need It

It’s important to keep your extinguisher readily accessible and in good and serviceable working condition. Inspect it monthly to check the pressure gauge, seals and to ensure there is no rust or damage. If you find yourself needing to use one, keep the acronym PASS in mind: Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the lever, and Sweep side to side.

If a fire does erupt on your boat, stop the engine immediately and make sure that everyone on board is wearing a life jacket in case you have to abandon the boat. If possible, position the boat so that the fire is downwind and then use the fire extinguisher. If the fire continues to burn after using the extinguisher, place a MAYDAY call on your VHF radio or call 911 if you are in cell phone range and prepare to abandon ship.

To continue providing these blogs, please consider a donation to the Sea Tow Foundation today to help us continue our efforts to educate boaters and keep them safe on the water. You can donate securely online at www.boatingsafety.com/donatetoday or by clicking on the DONATE tab at the top of the page.

 

Tags:  12 years  boat fire extinguisher  boating safety  expiration  expired fire extinguisher law  fire extinguishers  fire on boat  marine extinguishers  PASS acronym  recreational boating regulations  sea tow foundation 

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The Basics of the Navigation Rules for Boaters

Posted By Kim Perry, Wednesday, February 9, 2022
Updated: Monday, February 7, 2022

Every child can likely tell you that green means go and red means stop. This signage is ingrained in us at an early age. However, rules on the water are not common knowledge. The colors don’t have the same meaning that they do on land, so it can be very confusing for a new boater and even the most experienced boater can be puzzled at times.

To help you and your crew avoid wrong turns and accidents on the water, the Sea Tow Foundation has prepared the following list of boating navigation basics. While this list is not a substitute for all the rules that you should know (and would learn about in a boating safety course – which we suggest you take), it provides a good start.  

Some Definitions to Help Get Started  

Port - The left-hand side of the boat when facing forward. The port side of the boat must show a red light at night. An easy way to remember this is that LEFT and PORT have the same number of letters and RED is the shorter of the two color names to go with the shorter name of the two sides.  

Starboard - The right-hand side of the boat when facing forward. The starboard side of the boat must show a green light at night.  

Bow – The front of the boat when facing forward. At night, a white light and the edges of the red and green lights should be visible from the bow.  

Stern – The back of the boat when facing forward. The stern must show a white light at night.  

Buoy - An anchored float serving as a navigational marker. Buoys come in various shapes and colors, and each design has a different meaning. A buoy will also have colored lights on it so that it can be seen at night.

  • Green Buoys are square-shaped or have a squared-off top, have odd numbers, and are referred to as “cans” - an easy way to remember this is that the green soda brand with a certain odd number in its name comes in a can.
  • Red Buoys are triangle-shaped or pointed at the top, have even numbers, and are referred to as “nuns.”
  • If a buoy is both red and green, the shape of the buoy or the top color tells you the preferred channel to take your boat.
  • White Buoys or Signs with orange markings are informational or regulatory. They can tell you about a danger ahead like a rock, mark a swim area where you can’t take the boat, provide a speed limit, or mark a no wake notice.
  • White Buoys with a blue marking are for mooring or tying up the boat in the middle of the waterway.
  • Yellow buoys are used for special purposes to mark pipelines, cables, or other areas to avoid.    

 

“Red, Right, Returning”  

This is a common boating navigation phrase, but with red lights on the left (port) side of a boat and red buoys marking the channel, it can get confusing. In this case, the phrase is talking only about the buoys. When you are returning to your port, you should keep the red buoys on your starboard (right) side; the even numbers on the red markers will increase as you go upstream.  

 

The Navigation Rules, Simplified  

  1. The Rule of Responsibility has two points: first, a boat’s operator is required to comply with rules and practice responsible seamanship that shows thought. Second, the boat’s operator must do everything possible to avoid a collision – even if that avoidance means breaking a rule.
  2. Every boat is required to have a person whose only job is to keep a look-out around the entire boat. This job includes listening and looking for things in the way. If a boater is heading out on the water alone, this responsibility is something to be aware of.
  3. Boats should be operated at a safe speed that allows plenty of time to avoid collision or stop before a dangerous situation develops. The safe speed may change due to the weather, other boating traffic, the type of boat, and time of day.  

The Navigation Rules are much more detailed and there are many more rules than just these three that boaters are required to know and follow. We encourage you to take a boating safety course to learn more and suggest taking the new interactive, online course iLearntoBoat.

Did you know all of these rules or did you learn something new? What did we forget that you think we should have included? Let us know in the comments!

To continue providing these blogs, please consider a donation to the Sea Tow Foundation today to help us continue our efforts to educate boaters and keep them safe on the water. You can donate securely online at www.boatingsafety.com/donatetoday or by clicking on the DONATE tab at the top of the page.

Tags:  boating safety  boating safety course  bow  buoys  ilearntoboat  navigation basics  navigation rules  navigation rules for boaters  port  red right returning  sea tow foundation  starboard  stern 

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How to Find Your State’s Boating Laws

Posted By Kim Perry, Wednesday, January 19, 2022
Updated: Wednesday, January 19, 2022

When John and his 15-year-old grandson Beau left their home in Texas to travel to Louisiana to go fishing, they expected to land some redfish. Unfortunately, they ended up with a ticket and fine from the local marine patrol officer who explained to John that the free, online boater education class he took in Texas was not valid in Louisiana because the certificate wasn’t state-issued. Plus, Beau was too young to not have a life jacket on when the boat was in motion.  The fishing trip turned out to be a lot more expensive and a lot less fun than John and Beau had planned because they didn’t know that boating laws are different in each state.

                        

Next time, before John and Beau think about traveling out of state to boat, they will need to know and understand the laws that apply to the state they’ll be boating in. The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) website has everything a boater would need to know about state-specific boating laws for every state and territory in the U.S.

On the NASBLA website, an informative portal can be used to quickly find state boating laws by clicking on the Boating Safety Dashboards. Each dashboard breaks down the information into categories such as Boating Education, BUI Enforcement, and Life Jackets, just to name a few. Clicking on a category will direct you to a series of interactive maps.

After clicking on “Boating Education” that will take you to a new page where you can see individual sets of data about boating education requirements for each state and territory. Using the Education Requirements – State map, clicking on your home state can tell you the following pieces of information:

  • Who is required to have a Boating Education Card in that state.
  • Whether the law applies to powerboats and what size motor or boat.
  • What is required for an adult visiting from another state (most states require a NASBLA-approved course)
  • If there is a minimum age for operating boats in the state
  • Whether taking a challenge exam is allowed instead of taking an approved course
  • And a link to the State’s Education Website is provided for additional information as well as contact information if other questions come up

Going back to the main dashboard, you can also click on the BUI Enforcement icon and, just like the Boating Education section, individual sets of data are available on the topic of Boating Under the Influence (BUI). While the penalties and punishments differ from state to state for BUI, you should know that boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal in all U.S. states and territories. And, drinking any amount of alcohol while driving a boat makes it less safe for everyone on board because of the additional stressors involved with boating such as the wind, waves, and sun. In an attempt to eliminate boating under the influence accidents and fatalities, the Sea Tow Foundation developed the Sober Skipper Campaign, which urges boat drivers to make the right choice and take the pledge to abstain from drinking alcohol and taking drugs while driving a boat to keep you and any passengers on board safe on the water. 

The NASBLA Life Jackets tab provides state-specific requirements for mandated life jacket wear by age and type of boat as well as whether season wear is required. While it’s important to stay in compliance with the law, to practice safe boating, smart boaters should go beyond the legal minimums to help keep everyone aboard safer. To learn more, check out the Sea Tow Foundation’s article Top 10 Times When You Should Absolutely, Positively Wear a Life Jacket. To borrow a life jacket at one of the 933 loaner stations nationwide, visit the Sea Tow Foundation’s online Life Jacket Loaner Station map nationwide. Understanding (and complying) with state boating laws will go a long way to ensure you’re boating lawfully and can enjoy a safe, fun, and memorable boating experience – wherever your boating destination takes you!

To continue providing blogs, please consider a donation to the Sea Tow Foundation today to help us continue our efforts to educate boaters and keep them safe on the water. You can donate securely online at www.boatingsafety.com/donatetoday or by clicking on the DONATE tab at the top of the page.

Tags:  boating certificate  boating education  boating law  boating license  boating safety  boating safety dashboard  bui enforcement  life jacket loaner program  life jacket loaner stand  life jackets  NASBLA  sea tow foundation  sober skipper  sober skipper campaign  State boating laws  wear a life jacket 

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Proper Hydration is Key for On-Water Activities

Posted By Gail Kulp, Monday, October 25, 2021
Updated: Tuesday, October 19, 2021

While Abstaining From Alcohol is a No-Brainer, Remember to Stay Hydrated

 

When it comes to operating a boat safely, water should be the beverage of choice because even consuming small amounts of alcohol adds risk. Alcohol affects the body in many ways, and none of them are good when it comes to operating a boat. But forgetting to drink enough water can also have adverse consequences.

 

Environment

The effects of alcohol and drugs are greatly intensified by wind, vibration, the motion of the boat, noise and the sun. Alcohol is a depressant that accelerates mental and physical fatigue and can make a driver less safe as the day wears on.

 

Experience Level

Unlike operating an automobile — which most people do every day — the average boater only operates their boat 110 hours every year. People new to boating have been in fewer on-the-water situations and may have to think twice before performing tasks experienced boaters can do automatically. While this inexperience is magnified when consuming alcohol, no amount of experience can overcome the negative effects of drinking, which greatly reduces reaction time and situational awareness. Things can happen fast on the water and hesitation can be dangerous for all boat operators.

 

The 3 Detrimental Effects of Alcohol

  1. Physical Coordination: Poor balance is one of the telltale signs of drinking that’s made worse by a constantly moving boat. Reaction time is longer, and a boat operator’s ability to perform even simple tasks can be hindered.

     

  2. Vision: Drinking alcohol affects vision in many ways. Peripheral vision and depth perception are reduced. Night vision and the ability to focus are diminished. Alcohol consumption even affects the ability to distinguish between red and green markers.

     

  3. The Ability to Think Clearly: The ability to make good decisions is one of the most important attributes of a safe boat operator. Alcohol consumption leads to riskier behavior that is proportional to the amount consumed.

 

Water as a Beverage of Choice: Dehydration can also adversely affect a boat operator’s ability to drive safely. Dehydration can cause dizziness and reduced concentration, which can have serious consequences on the water. Being out in the sun all day requires all on board to make a concerted effort to drink fluids and nothing beats water. Although sports drinks can quench thirst, many are loaded with sugar, which is not good in large quantities. Even a sedentary adult loses 2.5 quarts of water a day and the U.S. Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine recommends women should consume at least 92 ounces of water a day and men at least 120 ounces for daily maintenance. But because boaters are outdoors, these levels should be increased.

 

Statistics Don’t Lie: Boating Under the Influence (BUI) statistics don’t lie. Last year, there were 296 accidents where alcohol consumption was the primary cause. During those accidents, 115 people died (39%). BUI is 100% preventable. Abstaining from alcohol while operating a boat keeps those onboard and nearby safer.

 

You can help eliminate BUI by taking the Sea Tow Foundation's pledge to be or to designate a sober skipper before every boating trip. The Sober Skipper Campaign also has additional tools to help improve boating safety in your local area by hosting a Sober Skipper event or sharing the PSAs and videos.

 

To keep everyone on board safe, choosing water over beer is the right call.

 

Tags:  boating safety  boating under the influence  BUI  effects of alcohol  hydration  sober boating  sober skipper  water 

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The Sea Tow Foundation is Excited to Announce Kim Perry as a New Staff Member

Posted By Kim Perry, Thursday, October 14, 2021
Updated: Wednesday, October 13, 2021

Kim, our new nonprofit project administrator, brings experience and boating passion to the Sea Tow Foundation. Perry brings a wide range of talents including graphic design, social media networking, communications, marketing and business administration to the position.

“We are thrilled to have someone of Kim’s caliber working with us to help keep boaters safe,” said Sea Tow Foundation Executive Director Gail Kulp. “Not only does she have an impressive skill set, but she also has a passion for boating, which helps give her insight into our mission.”

Perry’s duties will include organizing and archiving program reporting data as well as curating imagery and articles submitted by volunteers around the country. She will also be responsible for building and maintaining relationships with sponsors and donors, managing social media accounts and creating content for the foundation’s blog, website and e-newsletter.

In her spare time, Perry loves boating in New York and New Hampshire with her family.

She looks forward to learning more about the Foundation’s boating safety initiatives.

Tags:  boating safety  new hampshire boating  new staff  new york boating  nonprofit project administrator  sea tow foundation 

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Hunting from a Boat

Posted By Gail Kulp, Tuesday, October 12, 2021
Updated: Thursday, October 7, 2021

Follow These 11 Tips To Make Hunting From a Boat Safer

 

Hunting waterfowl can be a great time to bond with friends or family, but it is important to take the proper precautions to keep everyone safe.

 

Small boats can be more tricky to maneuver than larger ones which can lead to problems for many. According to the U.S. Coast Guard’s 2020 Recreational Boating Statistics report, 342 people died while using boats less than 16 feet long, which make up the vast majority of hunting boats. Also, small hunting boats are more prone to tipping when both two- and four-legged passengers move about. And because these boats usually have flatter bottoms to help provide more stability, they do not operate quickly or smoothly like other types of boats used for recreation and transportation. In addition, most hunting occurs during the fall or winter months when birds are migrating so the water is likely to be cold, which can be dangerous should anyone fall overboard.

 

Follow these tips so you can make hunting by a boat safer:

 

  1. Everyone should wear life jackets at all times while hunting from a boat, even your hunting dog. And yes, they make camoflagued life jackets.
  2. Never exceed a boat’s maximum weight limit, which is displayed on its yellow capacity plate. Consider the weight of the rifles, decoys, gear, and any hunting dogs that may be in the boat with you.
  3. Keep the boat balanced by placing heavy items in the center of the boat as low as possible. When boarding, passengers should also step in the center of the boat to avoid tipping.
  4. Keep all firearms unloaded with the safety on and keep them in their case until you are ready to use them so there are no accidental discharges.
  5. When shooting a hunting rifle, remain seated in the middle of the boat. Standing makes the boat top-heavy, and the recoil can make a hunter lose his or her balance and fall into the water or cause the entire boat to tip over.
  6. Use a specially designed boarding ladder for your hunting dog, and make sure your boat also has one for people. Trying to get back into the boat once you are cold and wet is difficult enough without a boarding ladder.
  7. Place and retrieve decoys with a net rather than leaning over the gunwale and also teach hunting dogs how to safely leave the boat and return without tipping the boat over.
  8. Avoid going out on the water in rough conditions, whether in a small or large boat. Flat-bottomed boats do not handle waves well and can become swamped and/or capsize.
  9. File a detailed float plan and give it to friends, family members and your local marina.
  10. Do not use alcohol and drugs while operating a boat or hunting.
  11. Dress in layers with your life jacket on top and prepare to get wet if you should fall overboard. Should a boater fall overboard in chilly water, their first reaction is a cold water shock that causes involuntary, rapid breathing. This only lasts about a minute and knowing what to expect ahead of time can prevent panic. After this phase passes, the person only has about 10 minutes (depending on the air and water temperatures) to get out of the water themselves or summon help before losing the ability to swim, climb the ladder, or yell for help. Once swim failure sets in, the life jacket will help keep them afloat, especially if they become unconscious.

 

Enjoying a hunt on the water can be a lot of fun while putting food on the table. Taking the proper precautions will help keep everyone safe. For more fall safety boating tips, please visit here.

 

    

If you found this article helpful or entertaining, please consider a donation to the Sea Tow Foundation today to help us continue our efforts to educate boaters and keep them safe on the water. You can donate securely online at www.boatingsafety.com/donatetoday or by clicking on the DONATE tab at the top of the page.

Tags:  boating safety  boating with dogs  cold water  duck hunting  hunting  hunting dogs  hunting from a boat  waterfowl hunting 

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Man Overboard!

Posted By Gail Kulp, Wednesday, August 18, 2021
Updated: Tuesday, August 17, 2021

Knowing What to do When a Person Falls Overboard Can Save a Life

 

Sometimes a situation on our boat will cause a person to fall overboard into the water. This could happen when leaning too far over the side to land a fish or it could happen if another boat’s wake causes your boat to be tossed around leading to someone being ejected. The U.S. Coast Guard’s 2020 Recreational Boating Statistics Report ranked falls overboard as the fifth highest cause of boating accidents leading to 181 deaths and 161 injuries. That is why it is important for everyone on board to know what to do if anyone falls overboard so that they can be recovered quickly and safely. And these techniques can also be useful for helping someone who has a water emergency when you are on land whether at the marina or at a dock alongside the waterway.

 

The Sea Tow Foundation has provided the following 4 steps to help in an overboard emergency:

 

Step 1: If anyone falls overboard, someone on the boat should immediately yell “Man Overboard” and point to the person in the water. If the person who noticed the fall overboard is the operator of the boat, another person should be designated as the water watcher and continue to point at the person in the water throughout the rest of the event until the person is back on the boat. If the person who fell overboard is the boat operator, someone else should immediately step up and complete the next step while someone else keeps an eye on the person in the water.

 

Step 2: The boat operator should immediately stop the engine and also press the MOB (Man Overboard) button on the boat’s GPS unit, if one is equipped. If not, a pin can be dropped on an online map to mark the location. This will note the exact coordinates of the location, which may be needed later.

 

Step 3: Begin the rescue process. When looking to rescue someone in the water, the phrase to remember is “ReachThrow, Row and Don't Go” as the order to take to bring the person in the water to safety. These steps can work if someone falls in a pool while you are on land or if the person falls into the water from a boat.

 

  • Reach an item out to  the person in the water like a boat hook, paddle, or other item and use it pull him or her toward the boat. The object can help extend the reach and keeps the rescuer safe from being pulled in by the person in the water.
  • Throw  a boat cushion or life ring or some other type of floating object to the person overboard so that they can hold on to it. It is even better if this floating object has a rope attached that can be used to bring the person to you. Remember, all boats longer than 16 feet except canoes and kayaks are required to carry a throwable flotation device.
  • Row (or motor) the boat slowly toward the person, keeping the person on the boat’s starboard (right) side for better driver visibility. Be careful that the propeller does not get anywhere near the person in the water if the motor must be used to move the boat.
  • Don't Go into the water to get the person unless it is the last resort and only if it is safe to do so. The rescuer should be trained in water rescue and be able to swim, plue they should always wear a life jacket. Someone else should stay on board the boat and watch the rescue.

 

Step 4: Contact the Coast Guard on Channel 16 immediately if you lose sight of the person or can not rescue them. Provide the last know location or coordinates of the missing person.

 

Don’t forget that using an Engine Cut-Off Switch is now the law!

 

As of April 1, 2021, federal law requires the use of an Engine Cut-Off Switch (ECOS) for boats less than 26 feet when in motion. This device saves lives by stopping the engine when the boat operator leaves the helm because the device is connected to the operator by a lanyard. There are also wireless models that are available on the market that can offer protection for the boat operator and all of the passengers when each person wears a pendant or FOB on their life jackets. Sea Tow Members can receive a 15% discount on the MOB+™ system and accessories by visiting buy.fellmarine.com.

 

Free ECOS Wristband with a Donation for a limited time

 

The Sea Tow Foundation is offering a wristband that can be easily attached to an Engine Cut-Off Switch lanyard for a donation of $50 that goes directly to benefit safety and education programs. The bracelet has a Velcro-adjustable strap for a custom fit and can be quickly removed when the boat operator needs to temporarily leave the helm. And, it meets the requirements for the new Federal Law.  Get yours today at www.boatingsafety.com/ECOS-Wristband.    

 

 

Tags:  boating safety  ECOS  Engine Cut Off Device  Engine Cut Off Switch  fall overboard  FELL Marine  man overboard  rescue person in water 

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National Safe Boating Week Tip #7 - Renew Your Sea Tow Membership

Posted By Gail Kulp, Friday, May 28, 2021
Updated: Monday, May 10, 2021

National Safe Boating Week Tip #7 - Renew Your Sea Tow Membership

One of the number one reasons people go boating is for fun and relaxation. Being prepared should the unexpected happen makes all the difference; you don’t want to be left stranded.

At some point you will need help on the water, and when that time comes, you want to know who is standing by to help. Sea Tow offers membership advantages far beyond 24/7 towing support. Sea Tow Captains work harder and smarter to keep you boating and can provide local navigation, mishap prevention, and can help get members back underway by troubleshooting over the phone.

Being a Sea Tow member means having exclusive access to captains with tremendous experience and knowledge who are there to help you with everything from navigational support to on-water assistance. Only $179 per year for a Gold Card Membership is a small price to pay for peace-of-mind and best-in-class service. Visit www.seatow.com to renew your membership or give them a call at 800-473-2869 anytime.

 

Tags:  Boating Safety  National Safe Boating Week  NSBW21  Sea Tow  Sea Tow membership 

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National Safe Boating Week Tip #6 - Wear Your Life Jacket

Posted By Gail Kulp, Thursday, May 27, 2021
Updated: Monday, May 10, 2021

National Safe Boating Week Tip #6 - Wear Your Life Jacket

Wearing a life jacket is the single most important thing you can do to improve your safety on board a boat. According to the U.S. Coast Guard’s most recent Recreational Boating Statistics report, 79% of fatal boating accident victims drowned. Of those drowning victims, 86% were not wearing a life jacket. In other words, 8 out of 10 lives would have been saved had the people been wearing life jackets.

The Sea Tow Foundation and U.S. Coast Guard recommend that boaters wear life jackets at all times because you can never predict when you’ll need them. You can’t put on a seatbelt in a car while you are in the middle of a car accident, and you won’t be able to put on a life jacket in the middle of an on-water emergency either. Wearing it is the best option.

Modern life jackets are designed to be comfortable to wear and some kid’s models are colorful and feature fun themes, which help make children want to wear them. The two most important pieces to check is that 1) the life jackets are U.S. Coast Guard approved and 2) the life jackets are the proper size for the person wearing them. A child can’t wear an adult-size life jacket because they will slip out of it in the water and an adult would never float if they were hanging onto a child-size life jacket.

Inflatable life jackets are also an option for those at least 16 years of age. They can be worn on the waist or like a pair of suspenders so that they are out of the way until they are needed, but they must be worn to be approved. Also, if you plan to go white water kayaking, wake boarding, riding a PWC, or participating in any other activity with high impact, an inflatable life jacket is not an option.

If you don’t have enough life jackets for everyone on board or don’t want to purchase a life jacket for a one-time boat visitor, don’t worry. The Sea Tow Foundation has established over 750 life jacket loaner stations throughout the United States where boaters can easily borrow and return life jackets in all sizes to ensure that they have the right size for everyone on board. You can find a life jacket loaner station near you at www.boatingsafety.com/map.

Tags:  boating safety  life jacket  life jacket loaner program  National Safe Boating Week  NSBW21 

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