Coast Guard Boat Safety
- Boats must carry a Coast Guard approved life vest on board.Life Vest image by itsallgood from Fotolia.com
The Coast Guard requires that boats have an approved life jacket (types I, II, III or V) for each individual riding on the boat. Children must wear jackets specifically designed for their size. Boats more than 16 feet long must have a type IV flotation device stored onboard. - Boating under the influence can bring stiff penalties.beer and bottle image by Allen Pinkall from Fotolia.com
The Coast Guard has very strict regulations regarding drinking and boating. Drivers boarded for suspicion of boating under the influence (BUI) can be fined, arrested or suffer suspension or loss of license. Boaters should bring plenty of nonalcoholic drinks and food to eat, reducing the temptation to drink while out on the water. - A boat propeller can injure someone who falls in the water.beached boat image by Chris Lofty from Fotolia.com
Unforeseen accidents can cause injury when boaters least expect it. A boat propeller can easily injure a passenger who falls into the water. This can be prevented by the driver wearing a strap connected to a cutoff switch on the boat. If someone falls overboard, a simple pull of the wrist shuts off the engine.
