Amid the holiday weekend and with the fall boating season ahead, the State Parks and Recreation Commission’s Boating Program reminds boaters to take the proper safety precautions when on the water.
So far this year, there have been 15 boating fatalities in the state. Reports have shown that many boating accidents are preventable. The Boating Program recommends these safety tips:
Wear a life jacket: It is difficult to predict when a nice outing will turn dangerous, and by wearing a life jacket, boaters increase their chances of survival. Washington waters are cold and often swift with a strong undercurrent.
Know the water and the weather: In Washington, the weather can change dramatically in just a few hours. Changes in wind speed or direction, amount of cloud cover and visibility are indications of changing weather. Be prepared with a current weather forecast.
Maintain a constant lookout: A common error in many severe accidents and most collisions is failure of the operator to maintain a lookout and watch the course ahead. The law requires boat operators to watch where they are going and to be ready to take action to avoid a collision.
Don’t drink alcohol when operating a boat: Alcohol impairs judgment and increases risk-taking.
Alcohol decreases hand-eye coordination and the ability to survive in cold water.
Don’t rock the boat, and observe the boat’s capacity limit: Quick or clumsy movements can cause a small boat to capsize.
Boats less than 26 feet long have a capacity plate that limits the maximum number of passengers, weight and motor horsepower.
