Summer is a great time to enjoy local waters. Whether you’re a boater, angler, or water sports enthusiast in the North Country please remember to be responsible around the water. National Safe Boating Week is May 22-28 and the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary offers these tips for safety while boating:

1. Wear a life jacket. No matter what activity you have planned on the water, always remember to wear a life jacket every time you are on the water. Accidents on the water can happen much too fast to reach and put on a stowed life jacket. New life jacket labeling info at https://safeboatingcampaign.com/news/new-life-jacket-labels/. 

2. Make sure your life jacket is U.S. Coast Guard approved, appropriate for your water activity and fits properly. A life jacket that is too large or too small can cause different situational problems.

3. Know state boating laws. Rules and laws can differ from state to state and violations can result in ticketing, fines or jail time. There are new engine cutoff device wear requirements for recreational boat operators.  See https://www.boatus.com/news-room/release/new-boat-engine-cutoff-switch-law-goes-into-e for further information. 

4. Take a boating safety course. Learn valuable tips that can help save your life in unexpected situations. Find a boating course near you at www.cgaux.org/boatinged/class_finder/index.php.

5. Make sure your boat is prepared. There are many items that need to be checked and rechecked on any boat. Schedule a Vessel Safety Check with your local U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary before you hit the water. Every Vessel Safety Check is conducted 100 percent free of charge. A Vessel Safety Check (VSC) is performed at your boat ranging in locations from boat to your driveway. A vessel safety check usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending upon the size of your boat.  Contact a vessel examiner near you at cgaux.org/vsc/. 

6. Always file a float plan. File a float plan before you leave shore with someone you trust that includes details about the trip, boat, persons, towing or trailer vehicle, communication equipment and emergency contacts. Find out more at floatplancentral.org. 

7. Check the weather, including the water temperature. Know the latest marine weather forecast prior to going out, and keep a regular check for changing conditions. 

8. Don’t drink while you boat. Where the primary cause was known, alcohol was listed as a leading factor in boating-related deaths. Find out more at operationdrywater.org. 

9. Beware of carbon monoxide poisoning. Gasoline-powered engines on boats, including onboard generators, produce carbon monoxide (CO), a colorless and odorless gas that can poison or kill someone who breathes too much of it. Be sure to install and maintain a working CO detector, never block exhaust outlets, and always dock, beach or anchor at least 20 feet away from the nearest boat that is running a generator or engine. 

10. Keep in touch. Communication devices can be the most important piece of emergency equipment on board a vessel, especially in case of emergency. Be sure to have at least two communication devices that work when wet, such as satellite phones, emergency position indicating radio beacons (EPIRB), VHF radios and personal locator beacons (PLB). Cell phones are not reliable in an emergency situation. 

By following these tips, you can enjoy your boat, the water, sunshine and fresh air responsibly.

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