Five Basic Boating Safety Tips for Enjoying Labor Day WeekendLabor Day weekend is one of the busiest times of the year for recreational boating on lakes, rivers and waterways throughout the country. For many families it's the last big outdoor blowout before school gets in full swing. The weather is hot and the water inviting.According to the US Coast Guard (USCG) nearly 700 people lost their lives in over 3500 were injured in boating accidents throughout the country during 2007. Boater safety classes, preparation and using Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) save lives.Before you launch over the Labor Day holiday take steps to ensure you, your boat, your family and guests have a safe, enjoyable time and your memories of the weekend are happy and not sad or tragic. The following 5 safety tips can help you prepare for a pleasant day on the water.1. Make sure you understand the basics of recreational boating safety and navigation.If you've never boated before take a safety course. Take time to read the information at www.uscgboatding.org. Until a couple of teens drowned at a local lake I had never heard of the term, teak surfing, or understood the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning from boat motor exhaust. A recent incident resulted in the following alert at Grand Teton National Park.2. Confirm the boat, whether it's a rubber dingy, canoe or a yacht, is in safe working order.Check for any damage and missing or malfunctioning parts or equipment. Inspect and test the engine and electrical systems if appropriate.3. Go through your boat and check all your first aid and emergencies supplies.Inspect all life vests, safety floats and cushions. Replenish necessary items, change batteries, and replace worn or damaged PFDs.4. Make sure you have enough life vests of the appropriate size and type for all adults and children on board and use them.Know the local laws, in Washington State, where I live, all children age 12 and under must wear an approved PFD while boating. The USCG estimates that nearly 90% of the people who drown while boating might have lived if they were wearing life vests.5. Alcohol and boating don't mix.Boating under the influence (B.U.I.) can get you arrested out on the water just as easily as drinking and driving on land. Don't do it.These basic safety tips seem like common sense, but countless boaters don't take the time to put safety first in their rush to be the first out on the water. Take some extra time and avoid becoming a tragic statistic this Labor Day weekend.Original Article Source: http://voices.yahoo.com/five-basic-boating-safety-tips-enjoying-labor-3936416.html?cat=25 #Boating #Safety
