Boating Safety for Families

By Amy Suski

I come from boat people -- my grandparents were yachtsmen, my father raced sailboats and owned a sailboat company, one uncle is a deep sea fisherman, and another uncle built his own ship a sailed his family around the world.  As a kid growing up along the New England coast we were often on the water -- cruising in the Atlantic, paddling in a lake or sailing in the Long Island Sound.  The biggest lesson I learned from all this is that boating may be exciting and fun but it can also be very dangerous.  When you spend enough time on the water (or watch enough episodes of Deadliest Catch), you learn that accidents, storms and engine failures are bound to happen. At various times over the years members of my family have been near drowned (white water rafting), shipwrecked (while deep sea fishing), and seriously injured (when the mast of a sailboat fell on my sister's head). Our most infamous accident involved my brother and sister in law being shipwrecked at sea and swimming 14 miles to shore.  Based on my family's harrowing experiences, I approach boating trips with my own kids with a great deal of caution and share a few tips to increase the safety of your family's trip.  

1. Safe Vessels: Pay attention to the condition of the boat.  If you own your own recreational boat, you can request a free Vessel Safety Check from the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or U.S. Power Squadron. But even if you don't own the boat yourself, you should do a quick safety check before bringing your kids aboard. 

• Are there enough flotation devices aboard for everyone plus at least one tossable device?  Are the flotation devices in good condition and are they easily accessible to the passengers?
• Is the boat equipped with an emergency first aid kit and emergency radio?
• Large ships should have clearly marked exit routes and lifeboats.
• Are railings, ladders, steps, and walkways secure and free of obstructions?
• Are ropes, buoys, anchors, tools, and other loose equipment securely stowed?
• If the boat has a motor, is it equipped with a carbon monoxide alarm?  [For information about this boating hazard read the CDC's warning on Carbon Monoxide (CO) Dangers in Boating.]
• If the trip is expected to last until dusk or dark, are the running lights working?
• Is the boat's overall condition appear to be 'sea-worthy' and well maintained (clean, free of rust, no visible damage, etc.)?

2. Safe Operators: Many different organizations offer boating operators courses.  If you plan to operate a boat you should take a course appropriate to the type of boat you will operate. Some instruction and certification can even be obtained online.  For a list of USCG recommended courses click here.  In addition to appropriate training, operators should:

• Be sober and alert.  Federal and state laws prohibit boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs (BUI). These laws apply to  ALL boats, from the littlest canoe to cargo ships.
• Know your State's Boating Laws and U.S. Navigation Rules.
• Be prepared with the appropriate charts and navigational equipment. 
• Know the latest weather reports and always be on the look out for a sudden change in conditions.
• Understand how to operate the boat's radio and know the appropriate channels for requesting help in an emergency.
• Be familiar with the local waterway, depths, speed restrictions, right-of-way rules, docking procedures etc.
• Know how much fuel is aboard and how much is needed on the trip.  
• Always be cautious of swimmers in the water and be aware of where your passengers are.
• Prepare a Float Plan and leave it with someone reliable on shore.  

Lobstering in Maine

3. Safe Passengers

• Follow the captains orders.  At certain times the captain and/or crew may need to conduct maneuvers quickly and will need passengers to stay out of the way.  Stay clear of lines and chains that are in use.  The area under a swinging boom can also be particularly dangerous if passengers are not prepared to duck during a change of course.
• Know your escape routes and emergency procedures. 
• Know which parts of the boat are safe to be in and which are off limits.  Although kids should be encouraged to help out, make sure they are not doing anything dangerous like leaning overboard, playing with a line, or tinkering with equipment.
• Bring plenty of fresh water, a first aid kit, sunscreen, and healthy snacks for your family.  You may also want to contact your doctor for recommendations on preventing seasickness.  Even if you don't expect to get sick, depending on the conditions (rolling seas, still air, etc.) it can happen to anyone and its best to be prepared.
• Even when its sunny and warm on land, it can be cool and windy out on the water.  Be prepared with a water resistant jacket or extra layer.  For rainy days and longer trips, foul weather gear may also be needed. For footwear non-slip, non-marking soles are best.  Loose sandals, flip flops or crocs aren't the best choice because you can easily trip while wearing them, get caught up on ropes, or lose one overboard.  Traditional leather boatshoes, non-slip watershoes, sneakers or secure sandals like Tevas work well.
• When boarding or disembarking, always hold onto a secure railing or hand.  To improve your balance, hand over any bags (or small children) to someone already onboard before making the step.  Boats and docks rock and the gap between the two can widen unexpectedly.  Some of the scariest accidents happen when people fall through this gap.  
• If swimming around the boat, stay well clear of the propeller area and make sure the captain always knows where you are.  Never disembark in busy waterways where other boats are speeding by.
• If fishing, keep sharp hooks and knives secure.  Unsecured fish hooks swinging in the wind or open knives sliding across the deck pose obvious hazards.  
• Most importantly, wear an appropriately sized and appropriately rated flotation device.  Being an excellent swimmer is a good start, but it isn't enough.  Accidents happen which can limit your ability to save yourself (see below). Know that only certain life jackets are designed to keep your head above water -- a safety feature that is critical in case of unconsciousness.  Make sure your lifejacket is USCG approved for the type of boating you are doing.  Also, all states have rules requiring life jackets be worn by children, but no matter what the rules are its just plain common sense to require your child to wear a life jacket at all times -- from the moment they step on the dock.  For more information please visit www.uscgboating.org.

www.uscgboating.org

These suggestions are a starting point for your boating safety considerations and do not represent an exhaustive list of all the regulations and safety measures you should take when boating.  Please consult the USCG Boating Safety website and local authorities for more complete information and have a fun and safe trip!