An estimated 73 million people enjoyed recreational boating in the USA last year and many of those people have returned to the waterways this year. Recreational boating is a great way for families to enjoy leisure time together.
It has been said that boating safety begins with the choices boaters make before leaving the dock. A group focus on boating safety needs to be made before leaving the launch ramp or marina.
The U.S. Coast Guard reports that nearly 700 people die in boating-related incidents each year. Most of those victims are drowning victims because they failed to wear or properly wear an approved life jacket while boating. An estimated 475 lives could be saved each year on our waterways if people were to adopt wearing a life jacket as their first choice for boating safety.
Unfortunately, about one-third of all boating-related accidents involve excessive alcohol consumption. Boating responsibly and following basic rules of boating safety that include wearing a life jacket and avoiding excessive alcohol consumption helps avoid the heartbreak some families endure each year when a loved one tragically dies in a boating accident.
A great family tradition that boaters can undertake is to attend an approved boating safety education class. Completing such a course helps to ensure boater safety on the water. It also can result in a boat insurance discount, but more importantly, it helps families stay safe and together for years to come. There are many great outdoors recreation opportunities to enjoy with family and friends. Enjoy them safely, responsibly and share them with your families.
5 comments:
I agree that safety should be a priority for family outings, especially when small children are involved. Our family enjoys summer boating on Lake Michigan and other activities in and around the water. We require that our children always wear a life jacket anytime they are near the water and when swimming and wading.
Janelle
Chicago, IL
Here in Florida we have had a very high number of boating deaths so far this year. Unfortunately, many people feel it will always happent to someone else, but never them or someone else on their boat. We can not enjoy as much boating as we did in past years, but when we do get out, we keep safety first.
Mike King
John --
I used to be a boater but our waterways here in Tennessee got to be too crowded and the price of gasoline and marina fees just became too high for us. I love boating and fondly remember many Sundays as a kid growing up near Nashville when my parents would take us out on the lake on their Lyman boat. Keep your sails up and I'm sure the stories will come. Your web site is nice and informative.
Bill Richards
Oak Ridge, Tennessee
Here in Michigan, we've lost so many jobs and I know boating has declined somewhat. We still take our kids fishing and love the boating life. Hopefully, they will one day share the boating life with their children and grandchildren.
Salmon King
Ludington, MI
I think any family related activities involving children especially need to have safety as a top priority. It's amazing to frequently see parents and other adults display a disregard for child safety in and around the water.
Bernice
Blommington, IN
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