From the small weedy impoundments
of the Piedmont, to the expansive waters of the Chesapeake Bay, Virginia is a
state that abounds with accessible opportunities for recreational boaters and
anglers.
Safe boating awareness week was
kick-started last Saturday, as it is always observed as the first week before
Labor Day Weekend, anticipating the beginning of what is typically the heaviest
season of boating traffic. Being well-educated
and equipped for a day on the water this spring or summer is the most important
element of preventing an accident.
From 2010 to 2011, researchers
noted a 19% increase in boating accidents across the state of Virginia. In 2012, the US Coast Guard registered over
4500 boating-related accidents, involving 651 deaths, 3000 injuries, and about
$38 million in property damage.
Distracted operation, operator inexperience, and improper lookout rank
as the top three causes of accidents; and alcohol consumption remains the
leading factor in accidents resulting in fatalities.
As a step towards slashing these
grave numbers, in 2007, the Virginia General Assembly instituted a boating
safety and compliance requirement, which continues to be grandfathered in by
age group until 2016, when all operators of personal watercrafts (PWC)—jet
skis—and motorboats of 10 horsepower or larger will be required to have proof
of completion of a NASBLA approved boater’s safety course.
Currently, every operator over
the age of 14, and all motorboat operators 30 and younger must have completed a
safety course. No person under the age
of 14 may operate a PWC.
However, as the next phase of the
initiative, all motorboat operators 40 and younger must have proof of course
completion beginning July 1 of this year.
The USCG takes note that only 9%
of boating accidents occurred on vessels manned by an operator who had received
the proper boating education requirements.
Therefore, despite the age requirements, it is recommendable, and
statistically safer, that even those temporarily excused of the requirements
take initiative and register for a course.
There are numerous approved
providers of both classroom and online classes.
A full list and signup information can be found on the VDGIF website.
The North American Safe BoatingCampaign is also taking steps towards protecting Virginia’s boaters through the
“Wear It!” initiative. It’s well known
that life jackets, or personal flotation devices (PFDs), save lives, but how
helpful are they really? USCG data
supports that 71% of all fatal accidents involve drowning. Of those, an estimated 85% could have been
prevented through the proper use of a PFD.
The VDGIF requires that one
fitting, serviceable--not torn or critically damaged—, and USCG approved PFD
per passenger, and one throwable life preserver be present and easily accessed
on all motorboats.
PFDs should fit well—snug, but
not tight. Adults can test their
jacket’s fit by raising their arms overhead and ensuring that the range of
motion in the head and neck are not restricted. To check the fit of your child’s vest, firmly
lift up on the shoulder straps. They
should rise no more than three inches, and not be any higher than the child’s
ears.
With all legal hurdles cleared
and safety devices gathered, conduct a thorough, pre-season maintenance
check. Inspect all rope ties and engine
lines for wear, make sure your fire extinguisher is serviceable, and check the
functionality of navigation and headlights.
Battery terminals should be cleaned of any corrosion and buildup, gas
lines should be in smooth working order (check for cracks due to dry rot,
especially), and ensure that all through-hull connectors and fittings remain
watertight.
If all is in working order and
you are in compliance with the Virginia boater’s education requirements, get
out on the water and enjoy the weather!
But remember, a fine day on the water can still take a turn for the
worse. Stay alert; and as an extension
from the DGIF, be responsible, be safe, and have fun!
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