The weather is warming up for the unofficial start of summer this weekend. REMSA would like to remind people about boat safety tips before heading out on to the water.
Safety Equipment
All inboard craft must carry the following items:
• Coast Guard-approved personal flotation devices (PFDs) for each person aboard the personal watercraft (PWC).
• fully charged portable B-1 type fire extinguisher
• efficient sound-producing device (whistle or horn) for signaling or warning
In addition, the following items are strongly recommended to carry or wear aboard the craft:
• PWC owner’s manual
• boating safety course certificate
• waterproof first-aid kit
• emergency repair supplies—basic tools, spare lanyard, strong tape, spare spark plugs, oil, spray lubricant and cleaner
• visual distress signal (flare, brightly colored cloth or flag, signaling mirror)
• tow rope
• plastic one gallon fuel can
• telescoping oar
• anchor
• sunscreen with UV protection
• wet suit for water below 70º—Neoprene pants for warmer water
• helmet (required for racing)—A high percentage of injuries are head injuries
• sunglasses or goggles
• nonskid shoes or boots (for example, Neoprene “wet-booties”)
• gloves
• waterproof watch
Before Leaving Home:
• Inspect your craft and make necessary repairs.
• File a float plan with a close neighbor or friend. Instruct them to alert the Coast Guard or local Search and Rescue agency if you do not arrive home when expected.
In the water:
• Make sure all riders are wearing the proper gear, including PFDs. Most PWC operators who drown are not wearing a PFD. Don’t forget the sunscreen.
• Attach the kill switch safety lanyard to your PFD or wrist. If you fall off, the PWC will come to a stop.
• Before starting the engine, check that the throttle control and handlebars are operating smoothly, and that the steering nozzle turns properly in both directions.
• Start the engine in at least three feet of water to avoid stirring up the ground or damaging the jet pump. Run your engine for several seconds to clear the water.
• Maintain idle speed for at least 100 yards from shore and until you’re in a clear area.
Cruising Safely and Considerately
Be Safe.
• Know the load limits for your PWC. Never carry more weight or riders than specified in your manual. A person riding behind the craft counts as a rider.
• Study the local navigation chart beforehand. Know the location of hazards such as rocks, buoys, sandbars and submerged objects, such as pilings.
• If possible, travel with another PWC. Maintain a safe distance while moving.
• If possible, stay within sight of the shore.
• Obey local regulations. Stay clear of areas designated “off-limits” to PWC. Obey posted speed limits.
• Approach objects, such as a dock or a boat, at an angle, not head on. The momentum of a PWC continues even after the engine is turned off. An angle approach can help prevent a collision if the craft does not come to a complete stop in time.
• Don’t jump the wake of a passing boat. You could misjudge its speed and hit it. In addition, you might not see traffic on the other side of the boat.
• Never operate a PWC at night. PWC have no running lights, which are required for craft traveling at night. A three-member team is required when pulling a water skier – the driver, observer and skier. Learn the communication signals between skier and craft (right). Turn off the power when assisting a skier back onto your PWC.
Be Alert.
• Stay constantly alert and keep clear of other craft, swimmers, divers, water skiers and people fishing.
• Be on the lookout for adverse weather conditions — darkening skies, rain, fog, increasing winds. Reduce speed and head toward shore at the first sign of change.
• Keep an eye on your fuel gauge. Leave enough fuel to return home.
• Be aware of the time. Leave enough time to return home before dark.
• A day on the water can take a toll on the body. Know the symptoms of boater’s fatigue and hypothermia. Head to shore at the first sign of physical impairment.
• Boater’s fatigue: Staring straight ahead, loss of awareness, slowed reaction time.
• Hypothermia: Shivering, bluish lips or fingernails, confusion or dizziness, poor coordination, impaired vision, weak pulse.
Be Considerate.
• Stay clear of marinas or port entrances, anchorages or areas of heavy boat traffic.
• Don’t stay in one location for long periods of time. Continuous noise is a common complaint about PWC.
• Don’t operate your PWC early in the morning or late in the evening.
• Don’t operate in swimming or fishing areas.
• Don’t create wakes near other individuals or boats, or near the shore where they can cause damage to beaches and property. You are responsible for any damage caused by your wake.
• Don’t spray people on the shore.
• Respect the environment. Don’t spill fuel or oil. Don’t litter.
• Respect the wildlife. Stay clear of marine animals and conservation areas.
Emergency Situations
• A capsized PWC may take on water, but it is designed not to sink.
• If you fall from a moving craft, hit the water butt first, with legs together and arms over the head. The safety lanyard, attached to your wrist or life vest, should kill the engine. A running engine can damage the craft and cause injury to you. (If you become separated from the craft and the engine is still running, pull the lanyard off immediately.)
• Exercise caution when righting a craft to avoid injury. Roll the craft over in a clockwise direction to prevent water from the exhaust system from entering the engine.
• In the event of a serious emergency, or if you are injured, stay with the PWC until help arrives. Use your whistle, visual distress signal and/or mirror to attract attention.
• If you carry a cell phone and are in an area patrolled by the Coast Guard, *CG (or, on some phones #CG) will reach the Coast Guard.
• If you carry a handheld combination GPS/VHF unit, you will be able to call for help and provide your exact location.