|
Arizona Boaters Urged To Be Safe In 2007
By Ed Huntsman, AZGFD
Boating Safety Education Program Manager
A boating accident, often resulting in property damage, personal injury, or
more tragically a death, is a terrible way to introduce anyone to the world of
boating and water-related recreational activity.
Last year was the most catastrophic year since 1998 in Arizona for
boating-related deaths, injuries and property damage. We now have an opportunity
to change our behavior and avoid becoming a similar statistic for 2007.
While many call the 14 heartbreaking deaths and 259 boating incidents
recorded in Arizona during 2006 "accidents," following even the most basic rules
of good and prudent seamanship would eliminate most, if not all, of these
terrible events and the resulting tragic consequences they create.
True enough, we may not be planning an open ocean voyage of several days or
weeks and see little need for the rules of seamanship to guide our planning for
a day on the lake or a weekend fishing trip on the river. But, I can tell you
that the water doesn’t know the difference and quite often the reason that an
ocean voyage is (seemingly) safer is because boaters take the potential hazards
seriously and prepare properly beforehand.
The Colorado River and Arizona’s inland lakes pose many of the same hazards
and opportunities for problems that ocean-going boats and sailors experience—and
in some extreme situations — even more.
There are many things to consider before getting out on your favorite body of
water with the boat during the year, and the Arizona Game and Fish Department
joins the National Safe Boating Council and others in offering four
easy-to-follow basic principles for a safer year for you and your family on the
water before you do. Simply stated, the four principles are —
- Wearing life jackets saves lives:
Most, if not all,
boating-safety education professionals agree that the one single thing that
would contribute the most to reducing deaths and saving lives would be
wearing life jackets. Statistics show time and time again that many boating
fatalities could have been avoided if the victim had only been wearing a
life jacket. Wearing a life jacket while boating is like wearing a seat belt
when driving or riding in a car. Wear one anytime you are on a boat or even
near the water or on a boat dock. And, with the new inflatable life jacket
technology in the marketplace, a variety of life jackets are available for
those over the age of 16 that are not bulky, hot or uncomfortable. Don’t
forget that for those boaters who are 12 years of age or younger, the law
requires them to wear a life jacket (properly sized, fitted and worn to the
manufacturer’s specifications) any time they’re on a boat that is underway
(not at anchor, made fast to the shore or aground) — even when launching or
retrieving your boat.
- Boater education saves lives: Get, be and stay
prepared: Take a boating safety education course. Statistics show that more
than 80 percent of those involved in boating fatalities have never taken a
boating safety course or had any other type of formal boating education. The
Arizona Game and Fish Department has excellent volunteer instructors who
offer numerous classes across the state throughout the year. These classes
offer introductory and basic information in such subject areas as different
boat types, things you need to know before getting underway, how to tow and
operate your boat correctly, legal requirements, basic weather, boating
emergencies and what to do as well as other interesting subject areas about
boats and boating. The department’s instructors are eager, able and ready to
help you learn more about operating your boat safely and proficiently. And
in most cases, these classes are offered free of charge. Once you complete
the brief introductory eight hour course, check with your insurance agent as
most companies offer a reduced insurance premium to educated boat owners and
operators. National Association of State Boating Law Administrator (NASBLA)
certified courses are also offered by other organizations such as the Red
Cross, Power Squadron, Coast Guard Auxiliary, The Maritime Institute of San
Diego (with courses in Arizona), and other boating organizations.
- Safe boats save lives: Get a free Vessel Safety Check: Boats
that are properly equipped, in good operating condition, and safe from
hazards are less likely to be involved in accidents and fatalities. While
the law doesn’t require certain items or supplies such as an anchor, visual
distress signals or other safety equipment on inland lakes, Federal
requirements on the Colorado River are more stringent and demanding. The
Arizona Game and Fish Department or local law-enforcement officers would be
happy to check your boat for you. Or, contact representatives of the Coast
Guard Auxiliary or Power Squadron to request a free Vessel Safety Check by
visiting www.safetyseal.net and clicking on "I WANT A VSC." Learn what you
need to have to make sure your boat is always seaworthy and ready to go.
- Sober boating saves lives: Avoid alcohol and other drugs
while on or near the water. Approximately 40 percent of all boating
fatalities involve the use of alcohol. If you are drunk and get into an
accident on the water, but are fortunate enough to survive, you will likely
suffer financial and personal consequences such as large fines and the
possible loss of automobile driving privileges. Drugs and alcohol don't just
impact the boat operator; passengers who have been drinking alcohol, for
example, are 10 times more likely to fall overboard. And, if they aren’t
wearing life jackets, possibly face drowning. You hear it all the
time: Water and alcohol don't mix! Arizona is a zero-tolerance state and
that means any boat operator impaired to the slightest degree could be
arrested. Don’t risk a great day on the water—keep a good day good and go
home safe.
Following these four basic boating tips will help keep you safe. The Arizona
Game and Fish Department hopes that you and your loved ones enjoy boating during
2007 and in the years to come. Safe boating is no accident — keep a good day on
the water good by following these four easy-to-follow basic principles.
A lifelong boater, in addition to managing the Arizona Game and Fish
Department’s boating-safety education program, Ed Huntsman serves on the
National Association of State Boating Law Administrators’ Education Committee,
National Safe Boating Council’s Training and Education Committee, the Board of
Directors of the National Water Safety Congress, is an American Sailing
Association instructor and licensed Coast Guard Captain. |
|