Page 14 - Mid America Boating - September/October 2023 issue

Focus on Boating Safety from USCGA

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBErR 2023 [ MID-AMERICA BOATING ] 14
Safety: Prevention And tell them if you’re not back on time to have a new or older boat.
s (AVE LIFE JACKETS FOR EVERYONE ON BOARD AND WEAR THEM
contact the U.S. Coast Guard or other marine
authority in case rescue is needed. at all times.
of boating fires Planning: s (AVE A THROWABLE PERSONAL mOTATION DEVICE ON BOARD
s -AKE SURE lRE EXTINGUISHERS ARE ON BOARD AND OPERA-
s -AKE SURE YOU HAVE lRE EXTINGUISHERS ON- tional.
board and ensure they are not expired.
s 9OU SHOULD UNDERSTAND WHERE THEY ARE AND $OING THESE THINGS THE THREE 0S CAN HELP AVOID A COSTLY
how to use them. fire that causes damage to your boat or even a worse
s 4ELL YOUR PASSENGERS WHERE THEY ARE TOO AND tragedy on the water. And always remember it’s critically
explain how to use them. important that you and your passengers wear a life vest.
s *UST LIKE YOU WOULD PLAN AN ESCAPE ROUTE To contact the US Coast Guard Auxiliary for a Vessel
in case of a home fire, make sure you know 3AFETY #HECK INCLUDING A NEW VIRTUAL OPTION PLEASE
what to do in case of a fire on your craft. And contact: www.cgaux.org/vsc
inform your passengers as well.
s (AVE VISUAL DISTRESS SIGNALS ON BOARD SUCH Request a Vessel Safety Check:
as flares. The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary conducts free vessel safety
By David G. Epstein, s #HAFED WIRES SHOULD BE REPLACED s %NSURE YOUR HORN IS WORKING AND HAVE A CHECKS TO ENSURE YOUR BOAT IS SAFE TO GO OUT AND ENJOY
Branch Chief, immediately. backup device such as a whistle. the water. Please note that vessel safety checks are not
U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary s +EEP BILGES CLEAN s )F THERE IS A lRE IN THE ENGINE AREA CUT FUEL available in all areas, but a virtual safety check may be
s -AKE SURE THERE S PROPER VENTILATION to the engine. an alternative. Contact the Auxiliary: /wow.uscgaux.info/
Most boat fires occur due to wire chaf- and is working correctly. s $ON T USE WATER ON AN ELECTRICAL lRE MAKE CONTENT PHP UNIT 6 $%04 CATEGORY I WANT A VSC TO SEE
ing or on older boats that lack proper s )F YOU RE NOT AN EXPERT HAVE AN EXPERI- sure you have the correct fire extinguisher what is available in your area.
preventive maintenance, especially with enced mechanic change the wires. and sweep at the base of the fire if it is small
fuel systems. While recreational boat s #HECK THE FUEL SYSTEMS ARE WORKING enough and safe to do so. Take a Boating Safety Class:
fire occurrences may be relatively low, s "EFORE INVITING GUESTS ON THE BOAT s %VERYONE ON BOARD SHOULD HAVE LIFE JACKETS Boating safety classes, even if not available in-person,
those that do occur can cause damage, take it out for a test run. in case you have to abandon ship. are also available online. Statistics show that taking safe
INJURY AND LOSS OF LIFE 3O LET S MAKE s (AVE A MARINE lRST AID KIT ON BOARD s 5SE YOUR MARINE RADIO TO CALL FOR HELP boating classes save lives. More information is available
sure that the chances of this happening fully stocked for the amount of people here: http://www.cgaux.org/boatinged/
to you on the water are minimized. on board. Prevention: !ND PLEASE REMEMBER WEAR YOUR LIFE JACKET AT ALL TIMES
s -AKE SURE YOU HAVE A MARINE RADIO s /LDER BOATS ARE ESPECIALLY VULNERABLE TO WIRE MAB
Preparation: capable of contacting authorities. chafing and maintenance related issues that
s "EFORE TAKING YOUR BOAT ON THE WATER s &ILE A mOAT PLAN SO THAT OTHERS THE could cause a fire. Make sure that your boat is David G. Epstein is an officer with the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary,
ensure that the wiring is in tip top marina staff or friends) know you’re out well maintained before going on the water. which is the uniformed, volunteer component of Team Coast Guard.
shape. ON THE WATER 9OU SHOULD INCLUDE A DE- s (AVE A 53 #OAST 'UARD !UXILIARY mOTILLA He is assigned to Flotilla 14-05-03 in New York City. For more
s 0AY PARTICULAR ATTENTION TO WIRES scription of the boat, where you’re going conduct a vessel safety check to ensure your information, please visit http://cgaux.org
leading to the engine and any chafing. and how many people are on board. boat is safe to go on the water, whether you

WINTER STORAGE

LAKESIDE VERMILION

LAKESIDE MAPLE GROVE

YACHT SERVICE MARINA

& STORAGE, LLC store it.
Lift, Wash, Block & Launch
Convenient Lake Front Access –
30 & 70 Ton Lifts $18 per ft.
Heated Storage Rates start at $4.90/sq.ft. safe &

Inclusive Heated Storage Complete Winterizing
Rates start at $6.50/sq.ft.

Inside Cold Storage starts at $3.00/sq.ft. Shrink Wrap Available secure
Outside Shrinkwrap also available
Offering complete mechanical repair, Special Winter Rates
full fiberglass & paint service, and more! on Mechanical Repairs

419-798-2628

(located outside the gates, Lakeside, OH) 440-967-4525