Boaters advised on July Fourth to be cautious of potential waterfront risks, receiving life-saving safety guidelines for a secure summer.
In the world of boating, safety is paramount. With the right knowledge and precautions, boaters can ensure a fun and secure experience on the water. Here are some essential safety tips and resources recommended by U.S. Coast Guard certified captains and boating safety experts.
Capt. Peter D'Abrosca, a digital reporter who joined the scene in 2025 after a four-year stint as a politics reporter at The Tennessee Star, highlights the importance of adhering to these guidelines. Another expert, Capt. Geoff Fahringer, brings a wealth of experience to the table, having spent 50 years in law enforcement, including time as a SWAT officer and major crimes detective.
**Essential Boating Safety Tips**
1. **Take a Boating Safety Course:** Completing a certified boater education course is highly recommended and often required in many states. This provides crucial knowledge about navigation rules, emergency procedures, and local maritime laws.
2. **Wear Life Jackets:** Ensure every person onboard has a properly fitted, U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket (PFD). Children under 13 must wear one at all times, and adults—especially non-swimmers—should wear theirs as well.
3. **Don’t Boat Under the Influence:** Boating under the influence (BUI) is dangerous and illegal. Alcohol impairs judgment and reaction time, increasing the risk of accidents.
4. **Check the Weather:** Always review the forecast before heading out and stay alert to changing conditions. Be prepared to return to shore if the weather deteriorates.
5. **Stay Alert and Be Aware of Your Surroundings:** Maintain a proper lookout, use a passenger as an extra lookout, and keep a safe speed appropriate for conditions.
6. **Follow Navigation Rules:** Obey the “rules of the road” for waterways, such as staying to the right when meeting oncoming vessels and yielding when necessary.
7. **Don’t Overload the Boat:** Respect the weight and passenger capacity limits of your vessel to maintain stability and reduce the risk of capsizing.
8. **Create a Float Plan:** Share your itinerary with someone on shore so they know your route and expected return time. This is critical if you get into trouble and cannot call for help.
9. **Carry Safety Equipment:** Ensure you have a horn or whistle, a fire extinguisher, a first-aid kit, and a radio (such as a VHF marine radio) on board.
10. **Understand Emergency Signals:** Learn how to use and respond to emergency signals and VHF radio calls for help.
11. **Keep Passengers Informed:** Make sure everyone is briefed on safety procedures and the location and use of safety equipment.
**Important Boating Resources**
- **U.S. Coast Guard Boating Safety Resource Center:** Offers comprehensive guides, checklists, and up-to-date safety information. - **Sea Tow Foundation:** Provides free educational resources, a Life Jacket Loaner Program, and promotes safe boating practices. - **Freedom Boat Club Learning Center:** Features free training, safety checkouts, and ongoing education from U.S. Coast Guard captains. - **State Boating Agencies:** Many states have their own boating safety pages and mandatory education requirements.
By following these tips and utilizing available resources, boaters can significantly reduce their risk of accidents and ensure a safe and enjoyable time on the water. It's also essential to be aware of potential hazards in the water, such as stinging jellyfish, riptides, sharp objects, and potentially harmful bacteria.
In an emergency, Capt. Geoff Fahringer recommends using a VHF radio for communication, as it can be more reliable than a cellular phone, especially offshore. He also emphasizes the importance of safety checklists before hitting open waters and being self-reliant in emergencies, stating that one should be their own first responder in many cases.
Stay safe and enjoy your time on the water!
In the realm of local news, Captain Peter D'Abrosca emphasizes the significance of adhering to essential boating safety guidelines. Meanwhile, Captain Geoff Fahringer, a seasoned law enforcement officer, underscores the importance of safety checklists and being self-reliant in emergencies. Despite focusing on boating safety, these experts' insights extend to other areas, including politics and sports.
