As Memorial Day approaches, we are reminded that summer is not far behind. With temperatures forecast to climb into the 80s over the weekend and a holiday approaching, it’s a safe bet that waterways will be more than just a sight to see — they become a place to be.
This means that the summer boating season begins in full force.
It’s also the beginning of National Safe Boating Week, which is annually held the week prior to Memorial Day weekend. Boating partners across the United States and Canada are teaming to promote safe boating practices, including the wearing of life jackets for National Safe Boating Week and throughout the 2019 boating season.
Tennessee offers boating enthusiasts an abundance of opportunities to enjoy the resources across the state. Memorial Day weekend is viewed as the unofficial kickoff to the summer boating season. The goal of National Safe Boating Week is to educate the public about the importance of safe boating practices and wearing life jackets while on the water.
“Safe Boating Week is the perfect opportunity before the first major holiday weekend of the year to remind boaters about safety equipment,” said Betsy Woods, TWRA Boating Education Coordinator. “It is also the time to make maintenance checks and all that is needed so they can have a great time on the water and be safe.”
The Wear Your Life Jacket to Work Day is Friday, May 17, with the goal of demonstrating how easy it is to wear a life jacket, even while at work. This annual event is a fun, educational way to heighten life jacket awareness and highlight the various styles.
Boating is an incredible pastime, but like many of our favorite activities, safety is of the utmost importance. Don’t let a day on the lake or a float down the river be the last thing you do this summer.
As National Safe Boating Week arrives, we take a moment to review some of the most important boating safety tips and the critical importance of always wearing a life jacket on the water. We believe that wearing a life jacket is the simplest way to ensure the safety of you and your loved ones while enjoying a day on the water.
Approximately 83 percent of water-related deaths occur when individuals either are not wearing a life jacket or are not using it properly.
Many of the same rules apply on water as they do on land. A life jacket, for instance, is comparable to a seat belt.
If you are operating a boat, canoe or kayak of any length, you must carry a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket for each person on board. If stored, they should be readily accessible.
Children under 13 years of age must wear a properly fitted, U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket while underway in a boat.
One particular point of emphasis in this year’s NSBC Safe Boating Campaign is to raise awareness about boating while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. A BUI is punishable by law in the same way as a DUI, driving under the influence.
One other simple way to stay safe on the water is to have a plan of action before launching and take extra steps to be prepared in case the plan changes.
Let somebody know where you’re going and what time you’ll be back. Test all of your safety equipment, know how to work it and that you have it with you in case of an emergency.
We hope your day at the lake or rafting down the river is an adventure — not a tragedy. Play it safe. You can never be too safe when you’re out on the water.