"Contributing
factors to these accidents include traveling too fast, driving
under the influence of drugs or alcohol, failing to follow
boating regulations, carelessness and inexperience"
Protect
Your Family Against Boating Accidents This
Summer
Don't become
a statistic this summer. Boaters need to
take serious safety measures before stepping
in the water to ensure a safe and happy
water-filled vacation.
In
1996, the Coast Guard recorded 8,026
recreational boating accidents.
Contributing factors to these accidents
include traveling too fast, driving under the
influence of drugs or alcohol, failing to
follow boating regulations, carelessness and
inexperience.
To
prevent boating accidents, the Insurance
Information Institute offers these safety
suggestions:
Check
weather forecasts.
Let
someone know where you're going and when
you expect to return.
Check
engine, fuel, electrical and steering
systems, especially for exhaust-system
leaks.
Carry
one or more fire extinguisher, matched
to the size and type of boat.
Equip the vessel with required
navigation lights and with a whistle,
horn or bell.
Consider safety devises, such as a
paddle or oars, a first aid kit, a
supply of fresh water, a tool kit and
spare parts, a flashlight, flares and a
radio.
Make sure every person on board wears a
life jacket.
Know and obey marine traffic laws: the
"Rules of the Road."
Learn various distress signals.
Keep an alert lookout for other
watercraft, swimmers, floating debris
and shallow waters.
