District 15 a Unit of the United States Power Squadrons©

Most people who are killed while pleasure boating drown -- and most people who drown are not wearing a life jacket. When you capsize, collide, or fall overboard, there is rarely time to get to a "stowed" life jacket. Modern life jackets are smaller and more comfortable. Wear your life jacket -- all the time.

An operator with a blood alcohol content above .10 – equivalent to 5 beers for an adult male (180 lbs.) -- is ten times more likely to die in a boating accident than an operator with zero blood alcohol. The effects of alcohol are hastened by sun, water, and heat. Operating a boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal in all states and violation of Federal law.

Seventy percent of recreational boating accidents are caused by factors that are controlled by the boat's operator -- factors like failure to pay attention, carelessness, recklessness, inexperience, excessive speed, and failure to watch for hazards. Boating safety courses are available, inexpensive, and quick -- a great way for you to learn safety and the rules of the road.

The Coast Guard Auxiliary and U.S. Power Squadron offer a free Vessel Safety Check (VSC). Contact www.cgaux.org or www.usps.org for information.

All boat engines produce Carbon Monoxide (CO) -- an odorless, colorless, poisonous gas that can kill you in a matter of minutes. Boaters are killed every year because of improper cabin ventilation, poorly maintained equipment, and careless behavior. Be aware of the symptoms, and use CO detectors on your boat.