Posted By Gail Kulp,
Thursday, May 26, 2022
Updated: Tuesday, April 19, 2022
Before every boating trip, it is crucial that the operator files a float plan to let someone back home know where you’ll be heading and when you plan to be back. This can be as simple as writing the information on a dry-erase board in the kitchen, leaving a hand-written form with a fishing buddy, or using the U.S. Coast Guard’s mobile app and sending an email copy to 4 friends staying on shore.
A float plan should include the following information:
The date(s) of the boating trip
The type, size, and color of your boat
The location where you are starting your boating trip and the time
How many people are going with you and their names and ages
Whether you plan to do any activities during your trip (i.e. fishing, hunting, wakeboarding, tubing, etc.)
Where you plan to end your boating trip and the time you expect to return
If you do not return when you said you would, your friend or family member back on land can contact the appropriate authorities and provide details on your float plan so that a search can be initiated. Using the information in your float plan will help rescuers locate you much faster and get you and your boating friends the help that you need.
Did you enjoy this blog? To help us continue providing these boating safety tips, 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.
Posted By Gail Kulp,
Wednesday, May 25, 2022
Updated: Tuesday, April 19, 2022
There are lots of reasons why a boater should use their engine cut-off switch or install a wireless option on their boat:
The red coiled lanyard can save the life of the boat operator in the event that she falls overboard unexpectedly.
A wireless system with FOBs for all passengers lets the operator know if a passenger winds up in the water.
It is required by law as of April 1, 2021.
Unexpected falls overboard can result in being struck by the propeller or the boat and victims could also drown if they aren’t wearing a life jacket and aren’t able to be found and brought back on board quickly.
Before every boating trip, make sure that the boat operator is using the red coiled lanyard attached to the engine cut-off switch. These Sea Tow Foundation also offers special wristbands, designed to attach to the lanyard, which are available as a thank you for a small donation by visiting https://www.boatingsafety.com/page/ECOS-Wristband. Or, better yet, make the investment in your family’s safety and get a wireless man overboard system with a FOB for all on board from our friends at FELL Marine.
Did you enjoy this blog? To help us continue providing these boating safety tips, 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.
Posted By Gail Kulp,
Tuesday, May 24, 2022
Updated: Tuesday, April 19, 2022
Boaters operating on coastal waters, the Great Lakes, or any river that opens into one of those is required to carry Visual Distress Signals (VDS) that can be used during the day and night to show that you’re in need of help due to an emergency. Up until recently, the only VDS options were flares, but they have many concerns. First, they have to stay dry to work and won’t work if soaked in water, which is a likely scenario on a boat. Second, they expire 42 months after they are manufactured, so they have to be replaced frequently. Third, they can easily burn people or the boat because they are very hot and drip hot slag. Plus, the light only lasts up to 2 minutes. Lastly, they can’t be thrown in the regular household trash and there are few disposal locations around the country.
Electronic visual distress signals (eVDS) entered the market a few years ago and have revolutionized the VDS market. An E-Flare is another name for these devices that can float, never expire, are safe enough for a child to use without fear of being burned, and the light from an E-Flare lasts at least 2 hours. E-Flares operate on batteries that will need to be replaced every few years, but these batteries can be recycled. An E-Flare that is certified by the U.S. Coast Guard for meeting carriage requirements starts at $60-75 and more sophisticated versions cost more. Make the switch to an E-Flare today! Find more information on our website at https://www.boatingsafety.com/page/FlareEducation.
Did you enjoy this blog? To help us continue providing these boating safety tips, 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.
Posted By Gail Kulp,
Monday, May 23, 2022
Updated: Tuesday, April 19, 2022
Life jackets save lives, but only if they are worn. Each year, 75% of the people who died in a boating incident drowned because they weren’t wearing a life jacket. Many of these people considered themselves long-term boaters who knew how to swim, but if knocked unconscious or hurt when entering the water, it is impossible to swim which is why having a life jacket on is critical. You wouldn’t try to put a seatbelt on in your car in the middle of a car crash, so don’t think you can try to put on a life jacket when you are in the middle of a boating emergency.
The Sea Tow Foundation’s nationwide network of Life Jacket Loaner Stations exists to make sure that every boater, no matter their age or size, can have access to a free life jacket to borrow to keep them safe on the water. Whether you forgot to pack yours or invited additional people on your boat and need extras, the Sea Tow Foundation’s Life Jacket Loaner Program has over 950 locations nationwide, so that you can hopefully one close to wherever you are boating. Find one near you at www.boatingsafety.com/map.
Did you enjoy this blog? To help us continue providing these boating safety tips, 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.
Posted By Gail Kulp,
Sunday, May 22, 2022
Updated: Tuesday, April 19, 2022
Boating Under the Influence (BUI) of Alcohol and Drugs has been the leading contributing factor in fatal boating accidents for the last 20 years. BUI is illegal in every state, and it is 100% preventable. The Sea Tow Foundation’s Sober Skipper Campaign aims to eliminate BUI completely.
Every boater on every boating trip should Take the Pledge to be or designate a Sober Skipper. The operator of the boat will remain 100% drug and alcohol free to ensure that the boat is operated safely and everyone on board stays safe as well. Together, we can make sure no one dies from BUI ever again. Take the Pledge today at www.boatingsafety.com/soberskipperpledge.
Did you enjoy this blog? To help us continue providing these boating safety tips, 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.
Posted By Gail Kulp,
Saturday, May 21, 2022
Updated: Tuesday, April 19, 2022
Before every boating trip, boaters should check the weather forecast. If high winds or storms are predicted, another day should be chosen to go out on the water. Even if the weather forecast predicts a beautiful day, it is important to monitor the weather throughout the day as summer storms can appear without much warning.
Keeping an eye on the weather is easy thanks to the NOAA weather channel on VHF or on the radio. You’ll need to check NOAA’s website at www.weather.gov for the correct channels in your area. You can also download the NOAA Radar and Weather app for free on your cell phone or tablet.
If a thunderstorm should start while you are out on the water, make sure everyone is wearing life jackets. Close all the windows, hatches, doors, and other openings and store any loose gear or equipment. Turn off electrical equipment except the navigation lights so that you can be seen. Keep your boat moving at a slow speed with the bow turned into the waves so that the waves don’t come over the side of the boat and swamp you. Get to the lowest, most central part of the boat as soon as possible and keep your VHF radio or cell phone close by in case you need to call for help.
Did you enjoy this blog? To help us continue providing these boating safety tips, 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.
Posted By Gail Kulp,
Friday, May 20, 2022
Updated: Tuesday, April 19, 2022
Before heading out for the summer boating season, the Sea Tow Foundation reminds you to check your boat’s fire extinguisher. A new law took effect on April 20, 2022 that requires that any fire extinguisher older than 12 years of age should be expired and removed from the boat.
Boaters should also inspect their fire extinguishers regularly to ensure that the locking pin is intact, the tamper seal is still in place, and the pressure gauge is operating correctly. Then, the fire extinguisher should be rotated top to bottom a few times to ensure the chemical has not settled and the tank is still full.
For details on which types of boats are required to carry fire extinguishers as well as how to use a fire extinguisher correctly, please see this previous blog post on the topic.
Did you enjoy this blog? To help us continue providing these boating safety tips, 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.
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