According to the US Coast Guard, in 2022 there were 636 boating fatalities nationwide – the rate of 5.4 deaths per 100,000 registered recreational vessels – resulting in $63 million worth of property damage. Nearly three fourths of these fatalities happened on a boat where the operator didn’t have safety training. Alcohol was also the leading known contributing factor in fatal boating accidents, accounting for 88 deaths (16% of total fatalities).

While many safe boating tips may be second nature to seasoned boaters, there are additional tips that should also be kept in mind.

One hand for oneself and one for the ship.

When on a moving vessel, boaters should always use one hand to steady themselves, and one to work with. Wax and water make fiberglass a very slippery surface, so always have one hand free and one hand holding onto something when moving about the boat. This is especially true when the waves are making the boat rock back and forth.

Take a boating safety class.

Knowing how to boat properly and safely is essential for a fun time on the water. Many insurance companies even offer discounts for boaters who take an accredited boating safety education course.

Don’t overload the boat – with people or gear – and consider weight distribution.

Check the owner’s manual for the boat’s capacity and make sure to distribute weight evenly without blocking the captain’s visibility. Overloading a boat can cause hazards such as capsizing and difficulty navigating.

Interior lights impair outward vision.

Just like a car, boaters should shut off the boat’s interior lights and dim the GPS at night, so they don’t impair the captain’s sight.

Have life jackets on board.

When it comes to life jackets, everyone should be wearing them while making way, not just children. For those over 16 years of age choose an inflatable suspender style life jacket. Now available for $100 or less, they are super comfortable and allow boaters to stay cool in the sun.

Never bow ride.

Just like an amusement park ride – keep hands, feet, legs, arms, etc. inside the boat and never sit on the gunwale of the bow. Only sit in seats that are designed for bowrider boats. Just because a boat may have bow deck cushions, doesn’t mean anyone should be sitting there while under way.

Always make sure the engine is off and the key is out when people are in the water.

No one should jump in the water before the captain says it’s safe to do so and the captain should never start the engine without checking to ensure there is no one swimming nearby. Taking the key out makes it harder to restart the boat and prompts the driver to double check for swimmers before starting the engine. This is done to avoid someone getting caught in the prop and getting severely injured or killed.

Invest in new technology and designs for comfort and safety at the same time.

Federal law now requires the use of engine cut offs in boats 26’ and less. Instead of having to wear the engine cut off kill switch coiled lanyard, invest in a wireless version. This allows captains to wear a fob around their neck or wrist which gives them the ability to move around the boat more freely. All passengers can also wear fobs so if someone falls overboard the engine is killed immediately.

Appoint a look-out to assist the driver.

Having someone else to keep an eye out for debris in the water, fishing pots or crab/lobster pot markers, kayakers and paddleboarders, approaching boats and other watercrafts, helps avoid damage to the boat, prop entanglements and accidents. Always have an additional lookout person to assist the captain while partaking in water sports such as wake boarding and tubing to keep an eye on those in the water and their location.

Avoid running down battery while at anchor.

Be careful how much the boat’s battery is used when the engine is not on. For example, if the radio is on all day, the boat’s battery may run down, and the boat may not be able to start at the end of the day.

“At Sea Tow, we are always prepared for the unexpected, as many mishaps can occur even under the best conditions. Our network of captains serve as a resource for boaters, both on and off the water,” said Sea Tow President, Kristen Frohnhoefer. “We want to empower boaters to become educated and anticipate potential issues before they arise, and that starts with a foundation of knowledge and good safety practices.”

Interested in learning more?

The Sea Tow Foundation provides a variety of resources for boaters about all things boating safety, including a special guide on how to fit a life jacket to a child. Visit their website today.

UNMATCHED MEMBER BENEFITS

Sea Tow has been the premier leader in on-water boating assistance since 1983. With Sea Tow, you pay one annual rate and receive the most comprehensive member benefits available. Membership includes a full suite of on-water assistance services for every boat you own or rent. Learn more about our membership options today. To find the Sea Tow closest to you, use our service locator or call our Customer Care Team at 800-4-SEATOW.

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Exactly what is a float plan? you ask. In its simplest form the purpose of a float plan is to provide a brief description that lets someone responsible know where you’ll be headed and when you’ll get home from your latest adventure on the water. That gives friends and family members an idea of where you might be should you not return when expected and can’t be raised by VHF radio or mobile phone. In short, it provides a basic course to follow should they deem it necessary to head out on a search.

While it’s easy to simply tell a responsible family member, fishing buddy or marina staff where you’re headed and when you’ll return, writing things down really helps fill in a lot of key details. That’s especially important if you’re covering a lot of water, heading out on an overnight trip, taking an extended cruise or traversing international waters. The further you go, the more detail you’ll want to provide.

It’s All About The W’s.

Keep in mind that the more information you put in your float plan, the easier it will be for searchers or rescuers to track you down. Thus, it helps if you think in terms of W’s when putting together a float plan. When are you leaving and returning? Where are you headed? Where might you stop?  Why are you going? Who will be on board? What color, make and size is your boat?

Anyone can create a float plan from kayak paddlers, jet ski operators, inshore anglers, local cruisers and day-trippers to offshore sailors, those pursuing big game in the deep, and crews aboard luxury yachts heading to awesome vacation destinations. No matter where you point the bow or how long you plan to be away, though, you’ll want to cover all the basics before filing a float plan. At the very least, you’ll want to include:

• Size, make and model of your vessel and engine
• Number of persons onboard
• Destination and activities planned
• Expected course
• Contact information
• Timeframe of the outing
• Local Coast Guard number

For extended trips, especially offshore or traversing international waters, consider adding:

• Your vessel’s registration number
• Your vehicle’s license plate number (if left at the marina or dock).
• Names, ages and phone numbers for all aboard
• Medical conditions or notable disabilities of crew and passengers
• Contact info and times for places where you can be contacted in route to your destination

Filing A Float Plan

As noted, you’ll want to file your float plan with someone who is fairly responsible, especially considering your safety could hang in the balance should something go wrong. It’s a good idea to come to an agreement about how long to wait before a call for aid should be placed if you are overdue without having checked in. Ten minutes late probably doesn’t warrant a call for help. A half-hour or an hour, and it might be a good idea based on the circumstances (say a calm sunny day vs an unsuspected squall or thunderstorm.) Following that vein of thought, do make sure to reach out if you alter plans, encounter engine trouble or simply fall behind schedule.

Those on smaller and mid-sized vessels planning to fish, sail or cruise familiar local waters tend to file informal float plans on a slip of paper, via text, social media messaging or even email. For something more formal, consider downloading a pre-designed U.S. Coast Guard Float Plan PDF fillable form from the U.S. Coast Guard Boating web page. It’s free and you can fill out the things that never change such as your name, vessel make and model. Save that data to the page before downloading then keep it as a template. The whole process takes only a couple of minutes and saves time in the long run.

UNMATCHED MEMBER BENEFITS

Sea Tow has been the premier leader in on-water boating assistance since 1983. With Sea Tow, you pay one annual rate and receive the most comprehensive member benefits available. Membership includes a full suite of on-water assistance services for every boat you own or rent. Learn more about our membership options today. To find the Sea Tow closest to you, use our service locator or call our Customer Care Team at 800-4-SEATOW.

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When you’re working on the water, it all comes down to doing your job safely. Which is why, above all, Sea Tow Captains are our biggest advocates of boating safety. Captain John Bilski, owner of Sea Tow Southern Connecticut and the 2021 winner of the Sea Tow Foundation Hero Award, took time away from on-water assistance to help us better understand how Sea Tow Captains like him support the mission of the Foundation.

What impact does this award have on you and your team?
It’s an honor to be recognized by our peers for advocating boating safety.

How important is boating safety?
Safety is paramount to everything we do. It always comes first and especially is always at the forefront of our minds in every aspect of our job.

How do you support the Sea Tow Foundation as a Sea Tow owner and captain?
I believe that education, awareness, and availability are mission-critical. We have 11 Sea Tow Foundation Life Jacket Loaner Stations throughout our area that provide life jackets to anyone who needs them, no questions asked. Our team volunteers to speak at events about safe boating practices and are always a phone call away for boaters that need advice. We also are huge advocates for “if found please call stickers” on all SUPs, kayaks, and non-motorized boats. If they simply blow away and are found adrift in the water or on a beach, it could prevent a search and rescue operation.

Similarly, what is the best way to engage Sea Tow members + boaters in general on boating safety?
Through email, social media, and obviously just being on the water to remind them that Sea Tow is always available via telephone or a radio call away.

How can members benefit from Sea Tow Foundation’s educational programs, tools, and resources?
Start by following the Foundation on social media. Awareness is the first step and making boating safety guidelines more accessible will help it become common knowledge to everyone on the water.

What advice would you share with your peers as future award recipients? What influence does this award have?
Firstly, make connections on the water. Educate members about the Sea Tow Foundation and that it’s a boating safety resource. Sponsor a Life Jacket Loaner Station, use the Sober Skipper clean graffiti stencils, be a steward for safe boating. I’ve engrained safety as rule number 1 in every member of our team. We want everyone to come home safe and enjoy the water responsibly, just as the boating community should.

every dollar counts

The Sea Tow Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that relies on people like you to help fund its programs that work with boating communities across the country to provide access to education, tools, and resources in order to eliminate preventable boating accidents and deaths. Donate today.

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CARRY A BACKUP VHF

Having a VHF radio onboard is incredibly important. You can’t assume you will always have cell service… especially on the open water! One VHF radio is good, a backup is even better. So even if you have a fixed-mount, also carry a hand-held in case your primary unit fails.

WIRELESS ENGINE CUT-OFF DEVICES

Most boats and Personal Water Crafts (PWCs) feature engine cut-off lanyards. These attach to the boat operator and when pulled free of their connection to the helm, immediately shut down the engine. But, most boaters do not use this safety feature because of the limitations it puts on movement. Problem solved! The MOB+ Wireless Man OverBoard System from FELL Marine is an innovative wireless alternative that allows greater freedom than traditional lanyards. If there is a fall overboard situation, the engine will be shut down due to the xFOB being underwater or more than 50 feet away from the vessel.

EPIRB

EPIRBs (Emergency Position Indicator Radio Beacons) are radio transmitters designed to be installed or kept onboard your boat. They are automatically activated after floating free of a sunken vessel and can also be manually activated in an emergency.

To register your EPIRB (mandatory) or update your contact information visit: beaconregistration.noaa.gov. If you have purchased a vessel with an existing EPIRB, immediately update the EPIRB registration and contact information. Also do not forget to test your EPIRB according to manufacturer instructions at the recommended interval.

THE PLB OPTION

Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) are made for personal use. Like EPIRBs they provide worldwide coverage of your location in an emergency and require registration. Unlike EPIRBs, PLBs must be manually activated. Easily portable, typically attached to a belt or lifejacket, PLBs stay with you as you transfer from vessel to vessel and can be used anywhere on both water and land.

SEA TOW MEMBERSHIP

Always have a backup plan. It’s often said “when the unexpected happens” because no one ever plans on needing help on the water. Having an on-water assistance membership with Sea Tow is guaranteed peace-of-mind that if anything happens, someone is standing by to come help.

UNMATCHED MEMBER BENEFITS

Sea Tow has been the premier leader in on-water boating assistance since 1983. With Sea Tow, you pay one annual rate and receive the most comprehensive member benefits available. Membership includes a full suite of on-water assistance services for every boat you own or rent. Learn more about our membership options today. To find the Sea Tow closest to you, use our service locator or call our Customer Care Team at 800-4-SEATOW.

The post 5 Must-Have Pieces of Safety Equipment for Your Boat appeared first on Sea Tow.

What’s the difference Between an EPIRB and a PLB?

• An EPIRB is registered to a boat while, comparatively, a PLB is registered to an individual
• PLBs are typically smaller and less expensive
• PLBs can be brought anywhere and can be used as long as you have an open view of the sky to summon help
• PLBs need to be kept up and out of the water
• EPIRBs work best while floating in the water
• EPIRBs will send alerts for a minimum of 48 hours
• PLBs are only required to send alerts for 24 hours

Registering Your 406 MHz Device is Important

When you buy a 406 MHz device, you must register it with the (NOAA) Beacon Registration website. Registration is free, takes a few minutes, and could help save lives in an emergency. If a device is activated, responders look at the registration database first because it enables them to find out more about the person or vessel connected to the device. Each device has a unique user ID that’s also transmitted with the 406 MHz signal.

Boaters can use the same account to add a float plan for a specific trip. There are fields available to include departure times and expected returns, planned routes, vessel type and color, and even passenger information.

Test Your 406 MHz Device

April 6th or 406 Day is the perfect day to test your MHz device(s). On ACR units like the ResQLink, a “T” button activates the test. A coded LED/Strobe light flashes to let the owner know if the unit is functioning, has sufficient battery power, and that the GPS can acquire a satellite lock.

The post What is 406 Day? appeared first on Sea Tow.

The C-1002 and C-1003 utilize high-performance LED lights that flash an SOS distress signal that is visible for miles. The C-1002 has 13, two-color, LED lights that also utilize Bluetooth technology to connect to the Sirius mobile app features.

The U.S. Coast Guard requires all recreational boaters to have visual distress signals on board. A handheld flare is the most common tool that a boater will purchase but can be challenging to operate because of the strength and heat needed to do so, and are very short lived. However, Sirius Signal’s electronic flare SOS beacon has been proven to last for hours on a single set of batteries. Almost anyone can operate the devices safely in part due to their ergonomic shape and ability to float in the water.

“Even as an experienced boater, if I am in trouble on the water, I want the world to know,” said Steve Caldero, VP of Sales and Marketing at Sirius Signal. “These flare SOS beacons make your safety toolkit stronger and safer while out on the water. First and foremost, we want to keep boaters safe. Doing so in an environmentally friendly way is an additional accomplishment.”

On average, flares expire after 42 months and must be replaced to meet the U.S. Coast Guard’s standards. Throwing expired flares in the trash is an environmental hazard as they contain highly toxic chemicals. Sirius Signal’s flare SOS beacons have eliminated this hazard with their electronic flares.

Sea Tow Members Save on Sirius Signal’s Electronic Flare SOS Beacon Kits

Savings for Sea Tow Members apply to Sirius Signal’s Electronic Flare SOS Beacon kits. The devices come with a nighttime visual distress light, a daytime distress light and a whistle for an audible sound making device, so you and your family are covered no matter what situation you might face. Sea Tow Members receive 10% off their entire order and receive free shipping.

Click here to visit the Sea Tow Savings Club to learn more about Sirius Signal’s offer.

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