Page 9 - Mid America Boating - March 2024 issue

Focus on Boating Safety from USCGA

TIP S A N D T A C TI C S
A short list of safe boating essentials Take a Boating Safety Class:

Boating safety classes, even if not available
to prepare and launch your boating season… in-person, are also available online. Statistics
show that taking safe boating classes saves
lives. More information is available here:
www.cgaux.org/boatinged 9 [ MID-AMERICA BOATING ]
By David G. Epstein, Branch Chief, You should include a description of the boat, safe to go out and enjoy the water. Please note And please remember, wear your life jacket
U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary where you are going and how many people are that vessel safety checks are not available in at all times!
on board. And tell them if you are not back on all areas, but a virtual safety check may be
Preparing for and knowing what you need time to contact the U.S. Coast Guard or other an alternative. Contact the Auxiliary: http:// David G. Epstein is an offi cer with the U.S. Coast
to do in advance will make your boating marine authority in case rescue is needed. wow.uscgaux.info/content.php?unit=V- Guard Auxiliary which is the uniformed Auxiliary
adventures safer and fun! Do not forget essentials such as: DEPT&category=i-want-a-vsc to see what is of Team Coast Guard. For more information, please
• A marine first aid kit on board fully stocked available in your area. visit http://cgaux.org/

Preparation: for the amount of people on board.
• Before taking your boat on the water, • Make sure you have a marine radio capable MARCH 2024
ensure that the wiring is in tip top shape. of contacting authorities for help.
• Pay particular attention to wires leading to • File a float plan so that others (the marina

the engine and any chafing. staff or friends) know you are out on the water.
• Chafed wires should be replaced You should include a description of the boat,
immediately. where you are going and how many people are
• If you are not an expert, have an experienced on board. And tell them if you are not back on
mechanic change the wires. time to contact the U.S. Coast Guard or other
• Keep bilges clean. marine authority in case rescue is needed. Year-Round Clubhouse, Restaurant & Lounge
Year-Round Clubhouse, Restaurant & Lounge
• Make sure there’s proper ventilation and it • Life jackets for everyone on board and wear 365 Slip Marina | Heated Pool w/Tiki Bar
is working correctly. them at all times. 365 Slip Marina | Heated Pool w/ Tiki Bar
Robust Power & Sail Fleets
• Check the fuel systems are working • Throwable, onboard personal flotation Robust Power & Sail Fleets | Junior & Adult Learn to Sail

Junior & Adult Learn to Sail
properly. device(s). Year-Round Clubhouse, Restaurant & Lounge
• Before inviting guests on the boat take it • Fire extinguishers that are operational. 6700 Memorial Shoreway NW, Cleveland, OH 44102
365 Slip Marina | Heated Pool w/ Tiki Bar
6700 Memorial Shoreway NW
out for a test run. • Visual distress signals such as flares. www.eycweb.com | (216) 281-6470

Robust Power & Sail Fleets | Junior & Adult Learn to Sail
• Have a marine first aid kit on board fully • Ensure your horn is working and have a Cleveland, Ohio 44102

stocked for the amount of people on board. backup device such as a whistle. www.eycweb.com
• Make sure you have a marine radio capable
6700 Memorial Shoreway NW, Cleveland, OH 44102
of contacting authorities for help. Request a Vessel Safety Check: (216) 281-6470
www.eycweb.com | (216) 281-6470

• File a float plan so that others (the marina The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary conducts free
staff or friends) know you are out on the water. vessel safety checks to ensure your boat is

THINK LIFE JACKETS ARE NOT FOR YOU? THINK AGAIN.
In Ohio, 82% of the drowning victims in recreational boating

accidents were not wearing a life jacket.

Always wear a life jacket while boating.

Get the facts at: ohiodnr.gov/lifejackets

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