We are certainly lucky to live in this pristine environment that is the Central Coast, but great scenery and its perks come with dangers as well. Plenty of people set sail on the ocean and in nearby rivers and lakes, and it's important to note that boats are far from safe, especially when used without caution.
According to the U.S. Coast Guard, over 750 people died and another 3,000 were injured in boating accidents last year.
Coast Guard statistics also show that operator error is the main cause of boating accidents, accounting for 70 percent of the 4,500 tallied in 2011. A beerAlcohol is another contributing factor, cited in nearly one third of all boating deaths reported last year.
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Amica Insurance and he Coast Guard sent these boating safety tips over to Patch:
- Keep a first-aid kit, flares and a Coast Guard-approved fire extinguisher onboard.
- Make sure children under 13 wear properly-fitting life jackets.
- Only allow experienced drivers to operate the boat.
- Always tell someone where you are going and when you will return.
- Avoid boating in extreme weather and bring a radio to monitor weather conditions.
- Make sure passengers keep their feet and legs inside the boat at all times.
- Establish a hazard zone — an area 30 feet around the boat that swimmers should avoid unless the boat is off with the keys removed
The U.S. Coast Guard, Power Squadron and other organizations offer boating safety courses. For more information, visit www.uscgboating.org.
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