Coast Guard emphasizes boating safety this holiday weekend

	Office of Public Affairs U.S. Coast Guard Seventeenth District

News Release	Date: Sept. 3, 2009 Contact: Petty Officer 3rd Class Walter Shinn Phone: (907) 463-2065 Cell: (907) 321-4513
Coast Guard emphasizes boating safety this holiday weekend
JUNEAU, Alaska – As the last days of summer dwindle, the Coast Guard emphasizes a continued awareness toward boating safety this Labor Day weekend. With this long holiday weekend being one of the last chances of the season for boating, on the water safety becomes all the more important as many boaters head to area lakes, rivers and the open water. The best way to stay safe is to prevent an accident before it occurs. Prevention of accidents can be accomplished by following these important safety tips: Always wear a life jacket Carry a VHF-FM marine radio and/or an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon Don't drink and boat Take a boating class, educated boaters are safe boaters Check weather forecasts Make sure the boat is in good repair Check all safety gear and ensure that everybody is trained in its use Don't overload your boat Operate at a safe speed; a safe speed is the distance you can safely stop to avoid a collision in the prevailing visibility and or density of boating traffic File a float plan, Float plans outline your voyage by documenting times and locations of departure and expected arrival, number and ages of people on board, vessel description, safety equipment on board and much more. A copy should be left on the dashboard of your vehicle, visible from the outside, as well as with a responsible party in which you keep in regular contact. They should be instructed that in the event your vessel does not arrive as planned, to contact the nearest Coast Guard station. If an accident does occur, the most important step a boater can take to reduce the risk of injury or death is to wear a life jacket at all times. A Coast Guard approved life jacket is required for each passenger on board and children 12 years-old and younger must wear a life jacket at all times. In 2008 the National fatality rate, a measure of the number of deaths against the number of registered recreational boats, increased from 5.3 in 2007 to 5.6 deaths per 100,000 registered recreational boats in 2008. During this time, the Coast Guard recorded 709 deaths, 3,331 injuries and approximately $54 million dollars in damage to property, stemming from 4,789 recreational boating accidents. Alcohol consumption continues to be of major concern in fatal boating accidents and is listed as the leading contributing factor in 17 percent of the deaths. With 14 fatalities last year, Alaska has one of the highest non-commercial boating fatality rates per capita in the nation. In Alaska drowning is the second leading cause of accidental death. "Fall boating in Alaska has its' own challenges; sudden weather changes, fewer boaters around to help in case you get into trouble and extra gear for camping and hunting can all add up to contribute to a boating accident," said Mike Folkerts, Coast Guard District 17 Recreational Boating Safety Specialist. "Wear your lifejacket, keep a means of communication handy preferably a marine VHF radio and file a float plan that way if something happens, you'll be prepared to survive." The Coast Guard encourages boaters to enjoy your time on the water, but remember to boat responsibly. More information is available at the Coast Guard's boating safety website: http://www.uscgboating.org/ A float plan can be found at http://www.uscgboating.org/safety/fedreqs/saf_float.htm
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