Contributed by Norm Nyhuis, Trainer / Consultant, Evergreen Safety Council
If you are planning on taking your boat out on Lake Washington to enjoy the Seafair Festivities take a moment first to insure your boat is properly equipped to make it a safe weekend.
You must have one properly sized life jacket (personal flotation device) for every person on board. Every life jacket is labeled by the manufacturer as to the size and weight of person it is intended to fit, correctly.
Don't make the mistake of thinking that a life jacket that will "support" an adult is certainly good for a child, who probably weighs significantly less than an adult. Children can easily slip out of a too-large life jacket, with all too often tragic results. Children below the age of 12 must wear their life jacket if they are on an open deck or in an open boat. There are no exceptions to this rule.
On a previous Seafair weekend several years ago, the patrol boat I was on encountered a sleek looking cabin cruiser, but the boat looked "odd". It was floating about a foot to a foot and a half lower in the water than its usual water line. Reason: there were nearly 50 people aboard a 36 ft boat. The boat was grossly overloaded, and to top it off the skipper could only produce 11 life jackets of any kind. Of the 11, two were found to be defective upon inspection, and therefore unusable. This cruise was immediately terminated, and the overloaded vessel was escorted to the nearest shoreline where all but a maximum of nine people at a time could be transported back to their home dock.
The skipper also appeared to have consumed a "cold one" or probably several "cold ones", so his wife assured us she could, and would, operate the boat, as she had not been drinking. The boarding officer gave them the benefit of the doubt, allowed the wife to take it back to shore to off load the extra people and the story should have ended at this point,
However, about two hours later the same boat - this time at least not overloaded - was seen being operated by the skipper who had been warned earlier about "drinking and driving". This time, the boarding officer placed the skipper under arrest, and since there was no one else aboard who had not been drinking - this man's wife was NOT aboard during the second encounter - the boat was taken in tow by a commercial towing vessel, back to their marina. As you can guess it was a very expensive lesson to learn.
Showing posts with label boating. Show all posts
Showing posts with label boating. Show all posts
Friday, August 5, 2011
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Avoid Seafair BUI
Contributed by Norm Nyhuis, Trainer Consultant, Evergreen Safety Council
Seafair is billed as the biggest party in Seattle, and I have no doubt that it is so. There will be literally thousands of folks on the water, enjoying the sunshine and having a good time. Unfortunately, some are having too good of a time. Many are enjoying a "cold one" of their choice and sadly some of them are intoxicated, before the day is even half over.
The penalties for BUI (Boating Under the influence) are severe, similar to the penalties for those who operate a motor vehicle on the highways while intoxicated. The various law enforcement agencies will be carefully watching for boats being operated in an unsafe manner, and will be conducting boardings where deemed necessary.
Here's the one sure way to keep it all safe: choose a designated sober skipper.
Negotiating the mass of boats, both anchored and drifting, as well as people in the water is tough enough, even without your "driving skills" being impaired.
Unfortunately, there is a small segment of boaters on the lake during this event who are even more dangerous; those who mix alcohol and other controlled substances. The chemicals in prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications and yes, illegal "street drugs", when taken together with alcohol have a greater debilitating effect, than either would have had by itself.
I've served aboard a patrol boat during many previous Seafair weekends, and I know firsthand that a drunk boater is a dangerous boater, please don't drink and attempt to operate your boat, this weekend or at any time.
Seafair is billed as the biggest party in Seattle, and I have no doubt that it is so. There will be literally thousands of folks on the water, enjoying the sunshine and having a good time. Unfortunately, some are having too good of a time. Many are enjoying a "cold one" of their choice and sadly some of them are intoxicated, before the day is even half over.
The penalties for BUI (Boating Under the influence) are severe, similar to the penalties for those who operate a motor vehicle on the highways while intoxicated. The various law enforcement agencies will be carefully watching for boats being operated in an unsafe manner, and will be conducting boardings where deemed necessary.
Here's the one sure way to keep it all safe: choose a designated sober skipper.
Negotiating the mass of boats, both anchored and drifting, as well as people in the water is tough enough, even without your "driving skills" being impaired.
Unfortunately, there is a small segment of boaters on the lake during this event who are even more dangerous; those who mix alcohol and other controlled substances. The chemicals in prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications and yes, illegal "street drugs", when taken together with alcohol have a greater debilitating effect, than either would have had by itself.
I've served aboard a patrol boat during many previous Seafair weekends, and I know firsthand that a drunk boater is a dangerous boater, please don't drink and attempt to operate your boat, this weekend or at any time.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Seafair Safety
It's the first week of August in Seattle. The streets are filled with a motley band of ner-do-wells, saying things like "Shiver me timbers!" and "AAArrrrgh!" On otherwise placid Lake Washington we hear the gentle sounds of thousands of horsepower both on and above the water. These clues can only mean one thing - it's time again for Seafair in Seattle.
IF you are planning on being on the water to watch the show, the hydros, the Blue Angles, and all the other attractions, here are a few safety tips:
The area from south of the I-90 floating bridge to a line from the Bailey Peninsula (Seward Park) to Mercer Island, is a NO WAKE zone. Several agencies, including the US Coast Guard, the Seattle Harbor patrol, King County Marine Units and DF&W will be present to enforce this rule.
Here's some reasons why: there will be more people and boats on the water in a relatively small area than at any other time of year. People will be swimming, floating on inner tubes or other devices and generally having a good time. A bobbing head only extends less than a foot above the surface of the water, add a little chop or wakes from passing boats and you can literally be running over someone before you'd ever see them. The wakes from boats also make it difficult for those who have paid a relatively large sum to be tied on the log boom to watch the hydro races. Rocking the boats against the boom and against each other can cause considerable damage. The skipper of a boat causing the wake that causes the damage is responsible for that damage.
Lastly, the wake often roll out on to the race boat course, making the course rough enough that boats skimming along at something around 150 mph can dip into a trough of your wake and this can (and has in the past) caused a boat to lose control, and go airborne, again causing great damage and potentially serious injury to the driver.
Be safe out there, and let's all enjoy the show!
IF you are planning on being on the water to watch the show, the hydros, the Blue Angles, and all the other attractions, here are a few safety tips:
The area from south of the I-90 floating bridge to a line from the Bailey Peninsula (Seward Park) to Mercer Island, is a NO WAKE zone. Several agencies, including the US Coast Guard, the Seattle Harbor patrol, King County Marine Units and DF&W will be present to enforce this rule.
Here's some reasons why: there will be more people and boats on the water in a relatively small area than at any other time of year. People will be swimming, floating on inner tubes or other devices and generally having a good time. A bobbing head only extends less than a foot above the surface of the water, add a little chop or wakes from passing boats and you can literally be running over someone before you'd ever see them. The wakes from boats also make it difficult for those who have paid a relatively large sum to be tied on the log boom to watch the hydro races. Rocking the boats against the boom and against each other can cause considerable damage. The skipper of a boat causing the wake that causes the damage is responsible for that damage.
Lastly, the wake often roll out on to the race boat course, making the course rough enough that boats skimming along at something around 150 mph can dip into a trough of your wake and this can (and has in the past) caused a boat to lose control, and go airborne, again causing great damage and potentially serious injury to the driver.
Be safe out there, and let's all enjoy the show!
Friday, May 20, 2011
Child safety tips for National Safe Boating Week
Safe Kids USA is cautioning families to stay safe on the water during National Safe Boating Week, recognized May 21-27.
Safe Kids encourages boaters to take a boating education class and have their boat undergo a vessel safety check before hitting the water. Free annual checks are provided by the U.S. Coast Guard.
Safe Kids also recommends these tips to keep children safe near the water:
• Be sure children on boats or near open bodies of water wear the correct size and type of life jacket as approved by the Coast Guard.
• Actively supervise children in and around open water, appointing a designated watcher to provide undivided attention.
• Enroll your children in swimming lessons once they reach age 4. Teach them how to tread water, float and stay near the shore.
• Make sure children only swim in areas specifically designated for swimming.
• Teach children to be aware of uneven surfaces, currents, undertow and changing weather when swimming in open water.
• Do not allow children to operate watercraft such as Jet Skis. These are intended for adults and require special training.
• Teach children never to dive into oceans, lakes or rivers.
Safe Kids encourages boaters to take a boating education class and have their boat undergo a vessel safety check before hitting the water. Free annual Safe Kids also recommends these tips to keep children safe near the water:
• Be sure children on boats or near open bodies of water wear the correct size and type of life jacket as approved by the Coast Guard.
• Actively supervise children in and around open water, appointing a designated watcher to provide undivided attention.
• Enroll your children in swimming lessons once they reach age 4. Teach them how to tread water, float and stay near the shore.
• Make sure children only swim in areas specifically designated for swimming.
• Teach children to be aware of uneven surfaces, currents, undertow and changing weather when swimming in open water.
• Do not allow children to operate watercraft such as Jet Skis. These are intended for adults and require special training.
• Teach children never to dive into oceans, lakes or rivers.
Source: The National Safety Council
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Successful Weekend in King County on Both Land and Water
In Seattle we have just wrapped up a beautiful Seafair weekend. Even with all the "stay-cationers" King County was able to keep its collision numbers way down. Below is a press release from the WSP. Stay safe out there.
Successful Weekend in King County on Both Land and Water
With record breaking temperatures and larger than expected crowds, the Washington State Patrol is pleased to report that there were no fatality collisions, and only one serious injury collision, on King County highways during Seafair weekend.
The WSP conducted safety emphasis’ on both land and water which resulted in the apprehension of 160 impaired operators and multiple other criminal arrests in King County during the 3 days of festivities.
During the land emphasis, troopers partnered with WSP’s aviation program and the motoring public to help patrol the highways for impaired drivers. During one stop on Saturday afternoon a concerned citizen called 911 to report a possible DUI on I-5 in south Seattle. WSP pilots (who are also commissioned troopers) communicated with the 911 caller and were able to locate the vehicle. The airplane followed the vehicle and observed it nearly cause a couple separate collisions while watching it drift in and out of its lane. Pilots coordinated a response and ground troopers were able to stop the vehicle before it caused a collision. The driver was subsequently arrested for DUI. This driver was one of 50 that were arrested on King County highways this weekend. Aircraft video of this stop will be available tomorrow morning upon request.
King County troopers partnered with marine units from other local agencies to make this year’s annual Seafair BUI emphasis a success. This emphasis resulted in the apprehension of 110 impaired vessel operators and no vessel collisions on Lake Washington.
Contact:
Trooper Dan McDonald
Washington State Patrol
King Co. Public Information Officer
District 2 Special Operations
2803 156th Ave SE
Bellevue, WA 98007
Work: (425) 401-7788
Cell: (206) 769-3962
Fax: (425) 401-7842
Successful Weekend in King County on Both Land and Water
With record breaking temperatures and larger than expected crowds, the Washington State Patrol is pleased to report that there were no fatality collisions, and only one serious injury collision, on King County highways during Seafair weekend.
The WSP conducted safety emphasis’ on both land and water which resulted in the apprehension of 160 impaired operators and multiple other criminal arrests in King County during the 3 days of festivities.
During the land emphasis, troopers partnered with WSP’s aviation program and the motoring public to help patrol the highways for impaired drivers. During one stop on Saturday afternoon a concerned citizen called 911 to report a possible DUI on I-5 in south Seattle. WSP pilots (who are also commissioned troopers) communicated with the 911 caller and were able to locate the vehicle. The airplane followed the vehicle and observed it nearly cause a couple separate collisions while watching it drift in and out of its lane. Pilots coordinated a response and ground troopers were able to stop the vehicle before it caused a collision. The driver was subsequently arrested for DUI. This driver was one of 50 that were arrested on King County highways this weekend. Aircraft video of this stop will be available tomorrow morning upon request.
King County troopers partnered with marine units from other local agencies to make this year’s annual Seafair BUI emphasis a success. This emphasis resulted in the apprehension of 110 impaired vessel operators and no vessel collisions on Lake Washington.
Contact:
Trooper Dan McDonald
Washington State Patrol
King Co. Public Information Officer
District 2 Special Operations
2803 156th Ave SE
Bellevue, WA 98007
Work: (425) 401-7788
Cell: (206) 769-3962
Fax: (425) 401-7842
Monday, June 22, 2009
Safe Practices & Insurance Keep You Cruising This Boating Season
Boating season is here and now is the time to make sure your doing everything you can to protect yourself, your passengers and other boaters while cruising Northwest waters throughout the summer.
While thousands of boaters prepare their vessels for aquatic fun and adventures, practicing safety and having the appropriate insurance will help reduce the risk of injury and keep you financially afloat while enjoying your time on the water.
That’s why NW Insurance Council and the Evergreen Safety Council encourage all boaters to make safety a first priority, check their insurance coverage and follow all boating laws to ensure a fun and safe boating season.
“Ensure your boat has the appropriate safety items, most importantly proper Coast Guard-approved life vests for everyone on board,” said Tom Odegard, Evergreen Safety Council president. “Be sure to have a fire extinguisher. On the water is one of the worst places to experience a fire.”
Next, check to make sure you have the appropriate amount of insurance to cover damage to your boat and any damage or injuries you may cause to other boaters and passengers.
“Owners of both sailboats and powerboats need insurance coverage just like car owners need auto insurance,” said Karl Newman, NW Insurance Council president.
Insurance
Most homeowners or renters insurance policies offer limited coverage for property damage to small boats like canoes, small sailboats or powerboats with less than 25 horsepower.
Property damage coverage is typically limited to $1,000 or less, and liability coverage is subject to the limits of your Homeowners or Renters policy. For larger watercraft, a separate policy is needed to cover both damage to the boat and liability for damage caused to others due to owning and/or operating the boat.
Safety
Carelessness and inexperience are the leading causes of boating accidents and fatalities in Washington. On average, 27 people die from boat-related accidents each year in Washington, according to the National Transportation Safety Board.
The Evergreen Safety Council offers these tips to help you enjoy your time on the water:
*Always wear a life jacket. Most boating fatality victims are not wearing a personal floating device (PFD).
*Avoid drinking alcohol.
*Take boater education classes.
*Always operate at safe speeds.
*Have a passenger serve as a lookout in addition to the operator.
*Watch out for low water areas or submerged objects.
*Maintain at least 50 feet of distance from other boats and personal watercraft.
*Check weather forecasts before heading out onto the water.
*Always obey all marine traffic laws and understand distress signals.
*Be sure your boat’s fuel, lights and electrical and exhaust systems are working properly before launching.
*Keep a first-aid kit, additional food and water in case you are ever stranded.
For more information about insuring your boat or other watercraft, visit NW Insurance Council. NW Insurance Council is a nonprofit, public-education organization funded by member insurance companies serving Washington, Oregon, and Idaho.
While thousands of boaters prepare their vessels for aquatic fun and adventures, practicing safety and having the appropriate insurance will help reduce the risk of injury and keep you financially afloat while enjoying your time on the water.
That’s why NW Insurance Council and the Evergreen Safety Council encourage all boaters to make safety a first priority, check their insurance coverage and follow all boating laws to ensure a fun and safe boating season.
“Ensure your boat has the appropriate safety items, most importantly proper Coast Guard-approved life vests for everyone on board,” said Tom Odegard, Evergreen Safety Council president. “Be sure to have a fire extinguisher. On the water is one of the worst places to experience a fire.”
Next, check to make sure you have the appropriate amount of insurance to cover damage to your boat and any damage or injuries you may cause to other boaters and passengers.
“Owners of both sailboats and powerboats need insurance coverage just like car owners need auto insurance,” said Karl Newman, NW Insurance Council president.
Insurance
Most homeowners or renters insurance policies offer limited coverage for property damage to small boats like canoes, small sailboats or powerboats with less than 25 horsepower.
Property damage coverage is typically limited to $1,000 or less, and liability coverage is subject to the limits of your Homeowners or Renters policy. For larger watercraft, a separate policy is needed to cover both damage to the boat and liability for damage caused to others due to owning and/or operating the boat.
Safety
Carelessness and inexperience are the leading causes of boating accidents and fatalities in Washington. On average, 27 people die from boat-related accidents each year in Washington, according to the National Transportation Safety Board.
The Evergreen Safety Council offers these tips to help you enjoy your time on the water:
*Always wear a life jacket. Most boating fatality victims are not wearing a personal floating device (PFD).
*Avoid drinking alcohol.
*Take boater education classes.
*Always operate at safe speeds.
*Have a passenger serve as a lookout in addition to the operator.
*Watch out for low water areas or submerged objects.
*Maintain at least 50 feet of distance from other boats and personal watercraft.
*Check weather forecasts before heading out onto the water.
*Always obey all marine traffic laws and understand distress signals.
*Be sure your boat’s fuel, lights and electrical and exhaust systems are working properly before launching.
*Keep a first-aid kit, additional food and water in case you are ever stranded.
For more information about insuring your boat or other watercraft, visit NW Insurance Council. NW Insurance Council is a nonprofit, public-education organization funded by member insurance companies serving Washington, Oregon, and Idaho.
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