How To Ensure A Safe Boating Excursion
By Jasmine Maher, Thu Dec 8th
While is relatively safe, much safer than driving a car,there are still enough accidents to raise some alarmsignals as to why accidents occur. In an effort toeliminate or reduce the number of accidents that occurin the water each year, specialists have done some investigatingand have found that most accidents are preventable ifboaters follow a few simple safety rules. The most common accident reported is the man overboardaccident. This type of accident represents more than 40 percentof all fatalities and is the most preventable. By simplynot moving around while the boat is moving or reducing speed andkeeping a firm hold with at least one hand if you absolutelyhave to move around, you can make sure that you stay in theboat. Wearing a life vest also increases your chances of survivalconsiderably if you find yourself outside of the boat. It isreported that 53 percent of all fatalities are a resultof drowning. Did you know that by simply wearing a life vest youcould reduce the odds of drowning by 95 percent?
Undergoing a safety course is also a great way to ensurethat you remain safe on the water. The lack of any formaltraining sets you up to be almost three times as likely to be inan accident as boaters
who have had formal instruction. Alcohol is also a great risk factor for accidents. TheAmerican Red Cross has estimated that two-thirds of boatinginjury victims was under the influence of alcohol. In fact,nearly 35 percent of all accidents are directly linkedto alcohol. In order to make sure that you next experience is a safeone, follow the following safety tips issued by theCollege of Emergency Physicians: Tell someone when you're going, who is with you and how long youwill be away. Then check you r boat, equipment, boat balance,engine and fuel supply before leaving. Before starting your engine, open hatches, run blower, and mostimportantly, carefully sniff for gasoline fumes in the fuel andengine areas. When changing seats, stay low and near center line of a smallboat. Always carry life jackets and first aid equipment. Watch the weather. Sudden wind shifts, light flashes and choppywater can mean a storm is brewing. If you will be fishing, keep fishing and hunting gear clean andwell packed. Never drink alcoholic beverages on a boat. Boating is one of the favorite American summer pastimes. Do yourpart to make is a safe and joyful one by following boatingsafety procedures. About the author:By Jasmine Maher Get more tips and info at Boat Zoneshttp://www.boatzones.com
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