Big Bear boating safety classes with the US Coast Guard Auxilary
Photo courtesy of the US Coast Guard
Boating safety is basic
This week has been declared National Safe Boating Week by the National Safe Boating Council. The organization's mission is to promote safe boating through education.
It would seem simple. Being safe in a small boat consists of four basics: always wear a PFD (life jacket), be sober and alert, know how to control your boat, and know the navigation rules for your waterway.
Unfortunately, many boaters ignore these basic safety rules and accidents continue to occur.
Let's change the statistics
In 2008, the last year the Coast Guard published recreational boating statistics for the United States, 708 people died in boating accidents. Of these, 2/3 drowned and 90% of those who drowned were not wearing a personal flotation device (life jacket.) 70% of those who drowned were on a boat less than 21' in length. Alcohol was a contributing factor in most of the accidents. In 17% of the fatalities, alcohol was the main contributing factor. 90% of the deaths occured on boats where the operator had not taken a safe boating course.
Safe boating courses key to reducing accidents on the water
While California has not yet made safe boating courses a requirement for new boat operators, the majority of states have. Most companies that insure boats offer discounts to owners who have taken a safe boating course. The 8 hour course is a small investment in time that saves money and lives.
In Big Bear, the US Coast Guard Auxilary offers a variety of boating education courses, including the About Boating Safely seminar. The course includes basic boating information, types of boats and how-to basics. It also offers valuable information about boating laws, equipment, navigation, local hazards, trailering and storing your boat, as well as covering personal watercraft and using your boat for hunting, fishing, and water skiing.
The Big Bear Lake Flotilla will be offering the next 8 hour About Boating Safely seminar on Saturday, June 12, with an additional class on August 7. The seminars are held at the Municipal Water District building at 40524 Lakeview Drive in the city of Big Bear Lake from 8:00 am until 5:00 pm. The cost is $45.00 for the class, textbook, and a lifetime certificate of completion. Interested boaters should contact Mark Poster at (909) 725-0447 to register.
Safe boating is fun boating. So please wear your life jacket, enjoy your beer or cocktail after, and learn to navigate and control your boat by taking a safe boating course.
For more info:
- National Safe Boating Council
- Safe Boating Campaign
- Saved by the Jacket - Stories of people saved by using a life jacket
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