Boaters should use smart, safe and legal practices as they take to the water
Paul A. Smith
For many recreationists in the Upper Midwest, Memorial Day is more than the unofficial beginning of summer - it's the start of boating season.
During the last week of May officials ranging from the U.S. Coast Guard to local lake associations once again attempted to raise awareness for safe, smart, courteous and legal boating practices.
There have been seven boating-related fatalities in Wisconsin waters so far in 2017, according to the Department of Natural Resources. All were due to drowning.
Twenty-one fatalities were recorded in Wisconsin in 2016.
The statistics highlight "the important and life-dependent responsibility that rests on the shoulders of boat owners and operators," according to the U.S. Coast Guard.
An educational brochure from the National Safe Boating Council compared boat operators to drivers of motor vehicles.
"Just like the driver of a car is responsible for the safety of passengers by knowing the rules of the road, having proper emergency gear, driving defensively, keeping aware of other vehicles and hazards, and knowing how to call for help, it is imperative that boat operators recognize the same responsibilities," the council said.
One of the leading boating safety measures also is also a matter of law: Having the legally-required number of life vests on board.
Another, arguably more important aspect, is a matter of choice for adults on most waterways: Wearing a life vest.
Most boating fatalities occur to people who weren't wearing a flotation device.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources lists the following safety keys for boaters:
• Have a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket for each person onboard and one approved throwable device for any boat 16 feet and longer.
• Everyone wear their life jackets while on the water.
• Leave alcohol onshore. Never use drugs or alcohol before or during boat operation. Alcohol's effects are greatly exaggerated by exposure to sun, glare, wind, noise and vibration.
• Have a fire extinguisher on board.
• Have operable boat lights. Test lights before the boat leaves the dock and carry extra batteries.
• Carry emergency supplies, including a cell phone, maps, flares and first aid kit on board in a waterproof, floating pouch.
Boaters responsibilities also include preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species, such as zebra mussels and Eurasian water milfoil.
Regulations are in place in Wisconsin and across the nation that require boaters to remove vegetation and animals from their equipment prior to traveling to another body of water.
The following steps are part of a national program to address the spread of aquatic invasive species:
• Clean: Inspect exposed surfaces and remove all plants and organisms.
• Drain: All water, including water contained in lower outboard units, live-wells and bait buckets.
• Dry: Allow the watercraft to thoroughly dry between launches.
To improve the quality of the experience, boaters are also encouraged to be courteous at landings and on the water.
The North Dakota Game and Fish Department issued the following tips to boaters:
• Don't pull onto the ramp until your boat is ready to launch.
• Prepare for launching in the parking area. Remove covers, load equipment, remove tie downs, attach lines and put in drain plug, before backing onto the ramp.
• When ready, pull into line to launch. Wait your turn. Be courteous.
• Don't block the loading area with your boat until your tow vehicle is ready to load. Wait until you are clear of the launch area to unload gear.
• As soon as your trailer is in the water, load and secure your boat to the trailer.
• Remove boat and trailer from the water as quickly as possible.
• Get clear of the ramp. Pull into the parking area to finish securing your boat, unloading gear, draining all water and inspecting for and removing any vegetation. Remember to leave plugs out when transporting boat.
For more information on safe boating from the National Safe Boating Council, visit www.safeboatingcampaign.com.