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Avoiding 5 Serious Boating Mistakes
by Mike Baron, U.S. Coast Guard Boating Safety Division
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May 2012: Three members of a family are fishing on the Columbia River in Oregon. They anchor their 18-foot boat in an area known for fast, treacherous, and deep water. The boat swamps and sinks nearly instantly as they struggle to bring in a stuck anchor. While neighboring boats are able to save two of the boaters, a 13-yearold boy drowns. None of the family wore life jackets.
July 2012: Scores of boaters anchor near a local Independence Day fireworks show near Long Island. Possibly capsized by wakes from larger boats, a 34-foot cabin cruiser quickly sinks, drowning three children. Local media report that only 6 life jackets were available for the 27 passengers. Survivors question whether the party exceeded the boat's capacity.
August 2012: A Maryland statesman is operating a motorboat that collides with another boat, causing serious injuries to six people. The struck boat sinks and the powerboat is demolished. A witness reports the powerboat was going extremely fast, possibly at full throttle. The operator admits to being intoxicated while operating his boat, begging for forgiveness.
These tragedies have one thing in common: they were preventable. Of the top 10 factors influencing boating accidents, six are directly within operator control, and risks from the remainder can be significantly diminished with the proper training, caution, and equipment. Below are tips for avoiding some of the most serious boating mistakes.
- Top 10 Contributing Factors to Boating Accidents
- The U.S. Coast Guard's 2011 Recreational Boating Statistics identified these risks:
- Operator Inattention
- Improper Lookout
- Operator Inexperience
- Excessive Speed
- Machinery Failure
- Alcohol Use
- Hazardous Waters
- Weather
- Rules of the Road
- Force of Wave/Water
Mistake 1: Underestimating What it Takes to Operate a Boat
Both experienced and novice boaters can underestimate the level of knowledge, skill and experience required to operate a boat effectively and safely. From trailering and launching, to safe anchoring, to docking and undocking, the equipment, navigation, handling, and rules of the road are completely different than on land. Serious accidents, including swamping and capsizing, often result from simple failures to load a boat properly and within capacity, or to anchor safely. Studying the rules of the road, getting safe boating instruction, and ensuring you know and understand your boat are all key to avoiding accidents.
Mistake 2: Inattention
The beauty and fun of being on the water can make boating seem carefree and effortless. A brief lapse in attention is often behind groundings, collisions, and capsizing. Many accidents occur late in the day, when operators are fatigued. Many involve collisions with markers, jetties, and other obstacles that are visible and avoidable. The water may seem calm and familiar, but operator attention and diligence are vital.
Mistake 3: Boating Under the Influence
Fun, relaxation and friendship all go hand in hand with boating. While no amount of alcohol is safe for a boat operator, the sun and fun that make boating so enjoyable can also make alcohol more dangerous for passengers. Dehydration, physical exertion, and fatigue can accelerate and amplify the effects of alcohol - more quickly impairing judgment and coordination. That increases the chances of risky behavior and injury, and the danger of falling overboard. Intoxicated individuals onboard pose an increased risk of injury to themselves and others.
Mistake 4: Failing to Recognize Risks
Bad weather, unfamiliar locales, hazardous waters - all are risks that boaters sometimes fail to account for. Responsible boaters learn to respect the weather, and check conditions pre-launch and while on the water to avoid sudden storms. While exploring new areas is part of the fun, it's smart to check with local boating authorities if you're heading out on an unfamiliar body of water. They can point out known hazards, and help you with navigation tips.
Mistake 5: Under-preparing for Emergencies
Filing a float plan and ensuring that proper emergency and communications equipment are present and working are essential safety precautions. But preparation only begins there. Passengers, as well as the operator, need to know basic emergency procedures, how to communicate, and how to use emergency equipment if the operator becomes incapacitated. Practicing with equipment is particularly important, as every moment is precious in an emergency. It's smart to have all aboard know and practice the basics of safe rescue techniques for a person in the water (PIW) (or "Man Overboard"). Finally, ensure that everyone aboard wears a life jacket at all times. If something goes wrong or there is a fall overboard there is often no time and no way to access a life jacket.
The Coast Guard provides a wide range of safety information and resources through its Boating Safety Resource Center. For more information, visit http://www.uscgboating.org/.