Boating Safety
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Boating Safety |
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Boating Safety Links - Check out these safety links! Boating Safety Guide from BoatUS Foundation. 7 study guides including: Boat Mtce & Winterization; Boating Safety Equipment; Trip Planning and Prep; The Environment; Navigations & Rules of the Road; Emergency Prep and Boating Activities. "Just the facts Ma'am." Boating can be great fun, but don't let your weekend outing turn into a tragedy. Most fatal boating accidents involve people who suddenly and unexpectedly find themselves in the water without a life jacket. About 50% of all boating fatalities occur: - On lakes, ponds and reservoirs and
not on navigable waterways, Hypothermia: Hypothermia is a major killer in aquatic mishaps. Hypothermia is a reduction in the body's core temperature below where normal biological functions can occur. Your body loses heat more rapidly than it can replenish it. It can kill you at temperatures well above freezing. It can occur at any time of the year in strong winds, especially if your clothing is wet, but occurs most rapidly when the body is in cold water. It is a serious life threatening condition. If you suspect hypothermia seek prompt and competent medical attention. The colder the water the more rapidly hypothermia occurs. It can occur in water as warm as 80 degrees if you are exposed to it for a long enough time. The shivering you may experience in mild cases of hypothermia is one means the body has to keep itself warm. I imagine that most people have experienced some type of mild hypothermia while swimming for long periods. The Coast Guard Auxiliary recommends you use the 50-50 rule to emphasize how rapidly hypothermia can occur. You have a 50-50 chance to swim 50 yards in water at 50 degrees. Another rule is that a 50 year old person has a 50-50 chance of surviving 50 minutes in 50 degree water. Watch for initial signs of hypothermia such as goose bumps and shivering. Shivering may slow down or stop as hypothermia increases. Speech becomes slurred and incoherent, you become lethargic and uncoordinated. Respiration becomes shallow and erratic.
Boating Safety Classes: If you have not taken a boating safety class, you need to
consider it soon. There are rules of the water just like there are rules of the
road. The Skipper is responsible for the boat and the passengers safety, as well as
damage to other boats a nd facilities. You can sign up for classes through the
Oregon Boater Light Requirements: All vessels must show required running lights between sunset and sunrise and during periods of restricted visibility. These requirements vary depending on vessel length and propulsion type. In most cases the requirements are the same for both inland and international rules. An anchor light is an all around white light that is visible for two miles. Vessels less than 7 meters (23 feet) are not required to show anchor lights unless anchored in or near a narrow channel, fairway or anchorage or where other vessels normally navigate. Failure to keep a proper lookout is a major cause of accidents and is required by Oregon law and Federal Navigation Rules. Always operate your boat so it will not endanger others. Reduce speed when speed limits are posted or when passing marinas, fishing areas, swimming areas or congested areas. Remember, Oregon maximum speed within 200 feet of a ramp, marina or moorage with more than 6 or more vessels or swimming area is 5 MPH slow no wake. Particularly hazardous a condition (for which you may be
fined) are considered as: Some waterways limit boat size and use. Be sure to check local regulations before departing, or obtain a copy of Oregon Boating Regulations.
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