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True
or False: If my boat doesn’t contain
any fire hazards from the motor or fuel
system, then according to Federal requirements,
I don’t need to bring a fire extinguisher
along.
Answer: This is true. A fire extinguisher
is only required on boats where elements
such as a motor or fuel system create
a distinct fire hazard. However, general
safe boating guidelines will always
suggest that you stow a fire extinguisher
on the boat just in case.
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True or False: Children younger than
13 years old should wear a Lifejacket
while underway.
Answer: True. This is now a legal requirement
for all Federal waterways and many states
have also passed legislation to make
this a requirement for non-Federal waterways
as well. Showing your kids the ropes
for safe boating also means ensuring
they’re adequately protected in
the event of any emergency.
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True or False: If someone falls overboard,
the first thing you should do is jump
in right away to assist them.
Answer: False. Jumping overboard to
rescue someone should only be used as
a last resort. Safe boating requires
that the first thing you do is to REACH
for the person, using either your arm
or something nearby that they can grab
onto. If you’re more than an arm’s
length away, the next option is to THROW
them an inflatable, floatable device.
If you aren’t close enough to
reach or throw something, the next step
is to ROW closer until you are. Only
go in after someone as a last resort,
and only if you are a strong swimmer
with experience in lifesaving. Otherwise,
you could end up having two men overboard
instead of just one.
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True or False: A dock or slip should
be always approached at clutch speed.
Answer: True. A safe boater always operates
at a reasonable speed at all times,
especially in crowded waterways or near
docks and slips. Safe boating requires
you to always be in control of your
watercraft, taking the time to perform
all maneuvers with adequate precision.
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True or False: 25% of all boating accidents
involve a personal watercraft that was
borrowed.
Answer: False- the number is actually
much higher, at over 50%. Before loaning
your boat to anyone, make sure they
are familiar with the all operational
rules for safe handling of your boat
in particular. You may even find it
helpful to create a safe boating guide
full of tips and instructions to keep
onboard your watercraft.
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True or False: Boats that are 16 feet
and over must also carry one USCG-approved
throwable Lifejacket (Type IV)
Answer: True. Additionally, Federal
safe boating requirements maintain that
all watercraft must contain at least
one USCG (United States Coast Guard)
approved, wearable Lifejacket (Types
I-III)for every person onboard, but
it’s good to have a few extras
on hand as well.
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True or False: If a boat is overturned
or swamped, abandon the boat and use
your Lifejacket for flotation.
Answer: False. If a boat is overturned
or swamped, but not sinking, you can
still use it to support your body and
save energy. Removing as much of your
body from the water as possible can
also help prevent hypothermia.
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True or False: I have family visiting
and we will be going over recommended
capacity by just one person. This shouldn’t
be a problem for safe boating, right?
Answer: False. It can be a fatal mistake
to overload your boat. To ensure boater
safety for everyone on board, be sure
to check your boat’s capacity
plate to see what the maximum number
of people or carrying weight in pounds
is.
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True or False: It’s okay if others
drink when onboard, as long as there
is one responsible safe boater onboard
to safely handle the watercraft.
Answer: False. Over half of all boating-related
drowning incidents involve the use of
alcohol, and many times the injured
person is not the skipper or designated
safe boater. Practice safe boating at
all times by restricting use of alcohol
to everyone on board- not just a few
people.
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The S.A.F.E. Boating principles stand
for: Sober Boating, Alertness, Fasten
Lifejackets, and Education.
Answer: True. A handy safe boating guide
to keep in mind at all times, the four
S.A.F.E Boating principles above help
to ensure boater safety on a variety
of levels. Always be sober, always be
alert, always use lifejackets when required,
and last but not least, be sure to take
the time to invest in an educational
boater safety course.
