The first duty of a vessel captain is to keep passengers, crew and vessel safe.
In writing my Captain’s Log column, my duties include you, my readers, to the degree to which I can influence your behavior on your own watercraft, when you go out on a friend’s watercraft, or buy a ticket to go on a charter or party boat.
Small boats, such as open runabouts, Jon boats, personal watercraft like jet skis, and paddle-sports craft are popular on U.S. waterways because they are affordable, easy to use and transport.
They can also be the most deadly, according to the U.S. Coast Guard, which said that over 40% of accidents involve boats smaller than 16 feet in length.
National Safe Boating Week this year is May 18-24. The BoatU.S. Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water provided three tips that may help encourage boaters and anglers to don a life jacket or life vest every time we hit the water.
1. “A study of California boaters showed that about three out of every five say that they would wear a life jacket if it were more comfortable.”
However, while comfortable designs are here today, many boaters may not know what is available. Newer vest-style life jackets allow complete freedom of movement, with broad arm cutouts and buoyancy pockets placed low on the body, allowing for unimpeded movement.
Some of the newer inflatable life jackets are no larger than a fanny belt pack, and fit comfortably around the waist. These modern compact styles do not get in the way of driving a boat, casting a lure, or paddling. The one I use for myself is thin and easy to wear, and when buoyancy is needed, I pull a cord and the CO2 cartridge inflates the vest.
2. “The same California study showed that boaters understand the need to put on a life jacket when the weather goes bad. But that’s not when most boaters or anglers get into trouble. U.S. Coast Guard statistics show that most boating accidents occurred when conditions were calm (waves less than six inches), winds light (less than six miles per hour) and visibility was good.”
3. “Remember the days when few motorists chose to wear a seat belt? In just a short time most American motorists have adjusted to using them – largely without complaint – and highway deaths have decreased dramatically. Boaters need to consider the fact that by making wearing a life jacket routine, waterway drownings would follow a similar trend.”