Boat Repair MN | Boating Safety
Fireworks have been an American tradition since the first Independence Day celebration. We love our fireworks just as much as the coleslaw, hot dogs and potato salad that come along with them. And what’s not to love? Colors exploding in the sky, showering the world with glowing sparks to the “oooh-aaaah” delight of families spending the evening together is a welcomed event. This year is no different. Many people will take the holiday as a chance to shake it until sundown and leave the city behind… on a boat!
With peak boating season underway, one of the most popular boating holidays of the year is also on the horizon – Independence Day. Many of the approximately 71 million American boaters will mark the Independence Day holiday aboard a boat.
It is time for the Independence Day celebrations throughout Minnesota. Anyone searching for fun can find it on the water. Having said that, understand that July 4 also continues as busiest day on the water. By committing a few minutes to safety, many boating accidents can be avoided and your holidays will be memorable for all the right reasons. So do yourself a favor and make the waterways (and you) a little bit safer by keeping safety in mind this 4th of July.
Coast Guard Urges Boating Safety For 4th of July Holiday
The Coast Guard is urging everyone to exercise safe practices while recreating on the water during this Fourth of July holiday.
The week of July Fourth experiences a high number of boaters taking to the water. The Coast Guard advises the public to take responsibility for their safety on the water. Boaters should be aware of and obey all federal and state regulations for recreational boating and navigation.
The Coast Guard would like to remind boaters to:
Wear a personal floatation device/life jacket at all times — The law states you must have a PFD for every person on board, but the Coast Guard suggests you go one step further and wear your PFD at all times when boating. It is much more difficult to locate and put on a life jacket the moment an accident occurs.
Seventy percent of all boating accident victims drowned, and of those, 84 percent were not reported as wearing a life jacket.
File a float plan and leave it with someone who is not recreating on the water — A float plan is a lifesaving document reminding others where you plan on boating, for how long, and who you are going with. It can assist emergency responders with locating a distressed mariner.
Have a marine band radio and visual distress signals on board— While many boaters rely on cell phones for emergency communications on the water, VHF-FM radios are much more reliable in the marine environment. When a mayday is broadcast over VHF-FM Channel 16, the international hailing and distress frequency, multiple response agencies and other nearby boaters can hear the distress call and offer immediate assistance. Additionally, in accordance with federal law, recreational boats 16-feet and longer are required to carry visual distress signals such as flares, smoke signals or non-pyrotechnic devices. State and local laws may require further safety equipment.
Have a registered 406MHz Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon — When a 406 MHz beacon signal is received, search and rescue personnel can retrieve information from a registration database. This includes the beacon owner’s contact information, emergency contact information, and vessel/aircraft identifying characteristics. Having this information allows the Coast Guard, or other rescue personnel, to respond appropriately.
Do not boat under the influence of alcohol — Alcohol affects judgment, vision, balance and coordination. Factor in boat motion, vibration, engine noise, sun, wind and spray and a drinker’s impairment is accelerated.
Boating is all about hanging out, relaxing, and enjoying time with family and friends. We all know riding the waves is fun and exhilarating! Boating, fishing and other water sports are fun in their own right. But alcohol can turn a great day on the water into the tragedy of a lifetime.
SO many dangers to watch out for. Be careful out there, and be careful with those sparklers and fireworks!! But, even with all that in mind, ENJOY!!! Take time to appreciate your loved ones, your country, and the freedoms we have living in this amazing country that we are fortunate to be a part of.
Stay safe and have fun.
