Boating Safety Tips

At InstantAmber, we are committed to providing educational information to the community.We have researched the best practices for boating safety and provided the most significant information from our research.Please see below for important boating statistics and safety guidelines.

According to the U.S. Coast Guard's Boating Statistic Report, more than 70,000,000 Americans enjoy recreational boating each year. Since 1988, annual boat registrations have increased steadily from just over 10 million to 12.7 million in 2006. During this same time period, boating-related fatalities have decreased, due in part to increased use of life jackets, or personal flotation devices (PFDs). Despite this decrease in fatalities, boating remains a hazardous activity as evidenced by following statistics from 2006:

• The U.S. Coast Guard received reports for 4,967 boating incidents; 3,474 participants were reported injured and 710 died in boating incidents.
• Overall, 70% of fatal boating accident victims drowned—the remaining boating fatalities were due to trauma, hypothermia, carbon monoxide poisoning, or other causes.
• It is estimated that 423 lives could have been saved, if all boaters had worn life jackets.
• Alcohol involvement was the leading contributing factor in fatal boating accidents, contributing to about one in five reported boating deaths.
• Open motor boats were involved in 45% of all reported incidents and personal watercraft were involved in another 24%.
• There was an increase in 2006 in the number of reported fatalities associated with the use of canoes/kayaks. The number of deaths associated with these types of crafts increased from 78 in 2005 to 99 in 2006.

InstantAmber urges parents and children to follow these safety tips to prevent boat injuries and deaths:

• Wear Your Life Jacket While Boating
  This is the single most important factor in avoiding serious injury or death.
• Avoid Alcoholic Beverages While Boating
  A large percentage of all fatalities are the result of mixing alcohol and boating.
• Complete a Boating Education Course
  These courses are readily available at sites such as www.boat-ed.com/ as well as others that are state specific; additionally, you can learn about boating safety classes at your local marina or boat shop.
• Participate in the Vessel Safety Check (VSC) Program
  Visit www.uscgboating.org/ for more information.
• Know CPR
  Once certified, you must become recertified every two years. Find out more about classes and locations through The American Heart Association’s Website.
• Be Aware of the Risk of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
  Motorized boats emit carbon monoxide, an odorless, colorless, poisonous gas. To avoid CO poisoning, be aware of the risk, ensure sufficient ventilation, properly install and maintain equipment, and use CO detectors, especially in living and sleeping areas of boats.
• Stay in touch
  Before going out on a boat, let somebody on land know where you are going and about how long you'll be out.If you're going to be on the water for a long time, it's a good idea to have a radio with you so you can check the weather reports.
• Bad Weather
  Do not go boating in bad weather; immediately return to shore if the weather turns stormy.
• Operating Wave Runners and Jet Skis (Personal Water Craft)
  Always use the stop-engine accessory that was provided by the jet ski manufacturer. Find out more safety tips at SafetyResource.org.

Other Boating Resources:
U.S. Boating Safety Division
National Safe Boating Council
American Boating Association