This is National Safe Boating Week. And with Memorial Day capping it off, it’s certain there will be a considerable amount of traffic on the water. With that in mind, there are some things I would like you to consider.
To start, safety begins well before ever hitting the water. And that includes a thorough boat check.
Is your vessel equipped with enough floatation devices? Do you have a first aid kit? Are your navigation lights and sound devices functioning properly? Those are important considerations, as is the condition of your boat and trailer.
Have you run your boat recently? If so, were there any issues that needed to be addressed? Those are questions you should ask yourself before ever leaving home. Don’t wait until you get to the lake. Make a checklist, not only for the boat but for the trailer as well. Nothing ruins an outing quicker than a breakdown on the road or on the water.
To further safeguard your experience, there are other forms of safety equipment to consider.
Virtual first mate
A few years ago, Mercury Marine introduced its 1st Mate Marine Safety & Security System — a product that provides man-overboard alerts, distress messaging and a theft-deterrent feature.
1st Mate is a wireless alternative to a traditional mechanical emergency kill switch with additional safety features. It connects a small engine hub to your mobile device, the mobile devices of other connected passengers and up to seven wearable remote fobs that fit onto wristbands or clips that attach to clothing or life jackets. Mobile access is provided by the 1st Mate app.
If you’re driving and are ejected from the boat, 1st Mate will immediately stop the engine. Then, using the man-overboard (MOB) feature of the mobile app, it will send an alert to other connected passengers along with a waypoint marking where the overboard event occurred. The app can then instruct a connected passenger on how to restart the engine and guide that person to where you went overboard. Should a connected passenger go overboard, 1st Mate will immediately alert you, then direct you to their location.
For additional peace of mind, you can also configure the app to send a distress message to emergency contacts on shore in the event you or a passenger goes overboard. It’s especially nice for anyone who is fishing or boating alone.
1st Mate is easy to install and the system will work with just about any brand of outboard. To learn more, visit this webpage.
A sad experience
Early in my career, I witnessed a terrible and deadly boating accident. One that occurred during a tournament on the Hudson River in New York.
Sadly, one of the competitors in the event was operating a boat with faulty equipment. More specifically, the tension spring on his foot-operated accelerator was broken and he was relying on a makeshift cord to retract the pedal, to reduce speed. While rounding a bend in the river under full throttle, he met head on with another competitor traveling in the opposite direction.
The collision was catastrophic.
I arrived shortly after to an impact zone littered with scraps of fiberglass and foam from a partially sunken boat. A pleasure boater, who arrived before me, was circling the debris field looking for survivors. On the shore laid two bodies. It was horrific, and I’ll never forget those images.
Had that driver’s accelerator been fully functional, he could have slowed his speed and perhaps avoided the collision. But at full throttle with a faulty accelerator, the fate of the two victims was decided.
I share this not to scare you, but to make you aware that accidents on the water can be quite severe. So severe, they can cost lives and destroy the families of those involved.
Just say no!
Whatever you do this weekend, don’t drink and try to operate a vessel. And that includes drugs. Just as sobriety laws apply to motorists, they are aggressively enforced on the water — not only for bass boats, but any type of vessel, small or large … personal watercraft included.
If you do choose to party, designate a captain who will remain sober. The last thing you need is a bad experience under the influence, or with the law. And believe me, they will be out in force on this holiday weekend.
I have friends that tried bending the rules of sobriety while boating, and they got caught. Fortunately, there were no accidents involved. But the consequences of their actions were severe nonetheless. A DUI on the water is the same as on dry land. If you operate a vessel under the influence and are caught, you will pay a price. And in my state, it goes against your driving record. Then come price hikes to your insurance. That is, if they don’t cancel your policy.
So if you’re planning to hit the water this weekend, be smart and do things right. Ensure your safety and that of those around you. There’s nothing wrong with enjoying your time on the water. Just be sure to stay within the rules, while being considerate of others. It’s just that simple.
To see the latest boater safety guidelines, go here.
Follow Bernie Schultz on Instagram, Facebook or through his website.
