CONCORD,
Mass. – The cold,
rainy wintry New England months are yielding to warmer spring weather and more
people are making plans to recreate near or in the water this upcoming Memorial
Day holiday weekend and through the summer months. Now is the time to start
thinking about water safety for you and your family.
Each year, an average of 3,880 people drown in the U.S.,
according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In fact, drowning
is one of the leading causes of injury death for children aged 1 - 4.
For those recreating near or in the water this
holiday weekend or during the summer, they can reduce the chance of a drowning
accident just by wearing a life jacket or taking other precautions. Of the 610
recreational boating fatalities in 2014, nearly 78 percent were drownings, and 84
percent of those victims were not wearing life jackets. The U.S. Coast Guard counted
4,064 accidents that involved 610 deaths, 2,678 injuries and approximately $39
million of damage to property as a result of recreational boating accidents in
2014. Of those recreational boating-related fatalities, 77 percent involved
boat operators who had not received any boating safety instruction. These USGS
statistics are available at: www.uscgboating.org/.
National Safe Boating Week will be observed May 21-27,
2016. Water safety officials urge everyone to learn more about safe boating
practices and always engage in responsible conduct while on the water.
America’s rivers, lakes and oceans are excellent places for boaters to gather
with family and friends while enjoying the outdoors. As they do so, it is
important that individuals avoid risky behavior that can lead to boating
accidents. Operator inattention, improper lookout, operator inexperience, excessive
speed and alcohol use
rank as the top five primary contributing factors in
accidents. Alcohol use is the leading known contributing factor in fatal
boating accidents.
To help ensure that individuals stay safe on
America’s waterways, the U. S. Coast Guard urges boaters to take basic safety
precautions such as wearing a life jacket, participating in a boat safety
course, getting a vessel check, and never boating under the influence of
alcohol or drugs. By practicing responsible boating habits, people can help
contribute to a safer, more enjoyable experience on the water. Here are some
safety tips to help recreation seekers stay safe in the water at federal
recreation areas.
Watch your children
It only takes a child an average of 20 seconds to
drown, according to water safety officials. Watch your children at all times
when around the water. Don’t let them wander very far from the adults and never
let them go near or into the water unless you know it.
Alcohol and water activities don't mix
Alcohol use is a leading contributing factor in
fatal boating accidents, according to the U.S. Coast Guard. Just one beer can
impair balance, vision, judgment and reaction time. Research shows that about four
hours of
boating – with exposure to noise, vibration, sun,
glare and wind – produces fatigue that simulates
drunkenness. Boating fatigue combined with alcohol
consumption intensifies the effects of both and increases accident risks.
Boaters should know the rules
There are more than 12 million recreational vessels
in the U.S. Boaters should take appropriate safety classes, be familiar with
state laws and have proper safety equipment onboard. Many states require boater
education or boat operator licenses. As an added incentive, some insurance
companies offer discounts to boaters who have successfully completed a boating
safety course. While boating make sure you and your passengers wear a life
jacket. Don't just carry one on board.
Make sure it is U.S. Coast Guard-approved and appropriately sized. Most
states require children under the age of 13 to wear life jackets. Know your
state law!
Don't overload the boat (consider boat size, number of
passengers and extra equipment before loading). Check your boat for all
required safety equipment. Carry a set of navigational charts. Check the
weather forecast. File a boat plan with family or friends who are not on the
vessel so in case something does happen or you are late returning someone will
know your approximate whereabouts.
Learn to swim/know your
limits
Surprisingly, about two-thirds of those who drown
never had the intention of being in the water. Never dive head first into lakes
and rivers – the results can be tragic. Never rely on toys such as inner tubes
and water wings to stay afloat. Don't take chances by over-estimating your
swimming skills or give in to peer pressure. Reach or throw a floatation device
to help someone in trouble; don't go in the water! Swim only in designated
swimming areas. Use the buddy system and never swim alone. About half of all
drowning victims are alone when they drown. It’s smart to take swimming lessons
and learn to swim.
Water safety should be a top priority for everyone
using the nation’s waterways and lakes this upcoming holiday weekend and
through the summer. There are an estimated 370 million visits to U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers recreation areas nationwide annually (corpslakes.usace.army.mil/visitors/).
Make your visit to a recreation area a safe and enjoyable one. Water safety
precautions save lives – maybe even your own.
Federal
recreation areas in New England
There are many opportunities to enjoy recreation at
federal reservoirs and the Cape Cod Canal in New England this upcoming Memorial
Day weekend and through the summer. Most areas feature small lakes with
facilities designed for day use such as picnicking, swimming, boating, fishing
and hunting. A few facilities have overnight camping. Most Corps-managed
recreation areas are open from Memorial Day weekend through mid-September. Beaches
and boat ramps are available at many reservoirs in Massachusetts, Connecticut,
New Hampshire and Vermont. For details visit the District web site at www.nae.usace.army.mil/ and select
“recreation” and then your state and nearest location on the map.