Following another sinking of a vessel in Brooklyn, safety advisories concerning boating are being reiterated to New York residents in regard to their local waterways.
Safety First: Top Tips for a Secure Summer on NYC's Waterways
As the summer season kicks off in New York City, water activities like boating and fishing are on the rise. To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all, water safety experts are emphasizing the importance of following a few key guidelines.
Wearing Properly Fitting Life Jackets
Gail Kulp, from the Sea Tow Foundation, a recreational boating safety awareness group, stresses the significance of wearing a properly fitting life jacket. In emergencies, a life jacket can mean the difference between life and death. This is especially crucial for children, as Kulp notes that life jackets need to fit correctly to save their lives.
Avoiding Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol is a contributing factor in 17% of fatal boating accidents in the U.S., according to the U.S. Coast Guard's statistics on recreational boating. Boating Under the Influence (BUI) is illegal in all types of boats, and BUI accidents are 100% preventable. To ensure safety, experts recommend designating a "Sober Skipper" before heading out on the water.
Planning Ahead
Weather is unpredictable during summer and can lead to sudden thunderstorms or strong winds. To prepare for inclement weather, it's essential for boaters to plan for and handle it when it arrives. Boating magazine emphasizes the importance of planning for and handling inclement weather when it arrives.
Compliance with Local Laws
In NYC, all motor vessel operators are required to carry a boating safety certificate and comply with sobriety regulations, as stipulated by Brianna's Law.
Professional Operation
When renting luxury yachts, booking boats with licensed captains can help reduce safety risks.
By following these tips, boaters can enjoy a safe and fun summer on NYC's waterways. Water safety experts urge everyone to prioritize safety during the summer season to prevent incidents. Recent incidents, such as a massive yacht crash into a dock along the Hudson River in Upper Manhattan on June 21, serve as reminders of the importance of safety on the water. Let's all do our part to make this summer season a safe one on NYC's waterways.
[1] Wearing properly fitting life jackets at all times for every passenger, especially children, as a crucial life-saving measure in emergencies. [2] Planning thoroughly before setting out, including confirming timing, dock location, rental paperwork, and having clear communication among the group to prevent miscommunication and emergencies. [3] Avoiding alcohol consumption while operating boats, since alcohol is a major factor in fatal boating accidents, accounting for 17% of recreational boating deaths nationally. [4] Carrying a boating safety certificate and sobriety compliance, as required under Brianna's Law for all motor vessel operators in NYC. [5] Ensuring professional operation, such as booking boats with licensed captains when renting luxury yachts, which can reduce safety risks.
- It's essential to prioritize wearing properly fitting life jackets, especially for children, as a crucial life-saving measure, even when participating in other leisure activities like sports on NYC's waterways.
- To ensure a safe and fun sports experience on NYC's waterways, it's advisable to plan thoroughly, considering factors like timing, dock location, rental paperwork, and clear communication, to prevent miscommunication and emergencies.
