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Summer boating safety tips

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Michael A. Cossaboom
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  This summer, before service members put a boat in the water, necessary safety precautions should be taken in order to operate it safely and legally.

It is important for boaters to know proper operating procedures, items required to have on board, and the safety measures for their watercraft.

"Before people start heading out to water they have to know what they're doing," said Ty Brito, 20th Force Support Squadron trap and skeet range manager. "People go out there, they don't know their surroundings, they're ill prepared and just don't know what they're doing."

Brito urges people to check the weather before launching a boat in the water and to inform others of their plan in case they have complications.

South Carolina boaters are required, by law, to have a flotation device per number of occupants on the boat.

"Boaters should make sure passengers have a life jacket that fits them before you disembark," said Senior Airman Quest Largent, 20th Fighter Wing nonjudicial punishment paralegal and a frequent fisherman. "A proper fit means the life jacket fits snugly and won't ride up around the head, but still allows adequate arm mobility."

Boaters should check to ensure the gas tank is full and, depending on the size of the boat, a fire extinguisher is on board.

With summer here and the Fourth of July right around the corner, the number of boats on the water could increase significantly, said Brito, so knowledge of safety procedures and precautions is paramount to a successful boating outing.

"A lot of the time when people go out on boats, they drink," said Brito. "That's a sure way for people to get in a huge amount of trouble, or worse killed."

Another possible hazard for boaters in South Carolina are alligators.
"There are a good number of 'gators in this area," said Brito. "But for the most part, as long as you don't aggravate them, they won't bother you."

When boating, a kill lanyard should be worn by the driver to help in the event a passenger falls over board.

"If you fall over board and you're wearing your kill lanyard the boat will stop," said Largent. "However, if you're not wearing it, the boat will keep on going, and you'll be left stranded."

Boating is more than just a fun summer activity, it's a responsibility. Many things can go wrong, anywhere from boating while intoxicated to falling over board. Service members have to be careful and ensure the safety of themselves and others boating with them.