Boating Safety for Bellingham Families
by Theresa Carpine5/18/2009 11:23:14 AM
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As summer approaches, your family might be preparing to spend some time on one of Whatcom County’s beautiful lakes. Or perhaps your kids enjoy sailing or kayaking around Bellingham Bay. To ensure that everyone stays safe while enjoying time on the boat, take a look at the following tips and reminders.
Before taking the boat out, review water safety with the kids!Wear a Life Jacket.
No matter what type of boating vessel you’re driving and no matter how great a swimmer you and your kids may be, everyone on board should wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket. Think of wearing a life jacket on the water like wearing a helmet while riding a bike. And the best way to encourage your kids to wear a life jacket is to live as an example and wear one yourself.
Be Aware of Weather Conditions.
Sudden changes in weather conditions can foretell storms to let you know if it’s safe to stay on the water. And even if it’s a bright, sunny day, the combination of wind and water temperature might make things a little chillier than you’d imagine; make sure to bring extra layers of clothes for the kids, since they get colder faster than adults.
Alcohol and Water Don’t Mix.
The probability of being involved in a boating accident can double when alcohol is involved. Alcohol impairs judgment and reaction time, so it can be difficult for drivers to maneuver safely, especially since there are no lane markers on the water. For the same reasons, passengers should also refrain from alcohol consumption while boating, even if they don't plan to go in the water. Remember that although you might exhibit responsible boating behavior when taking your kids for a boat ride, you must be aware of other boaters who might not exude such caution.
Be Prepared.
Before setting sail, make sure you and all your passengers know where they can find the onboard fire extinguisher, First Aid kit, and a radio or cell phone (in a waterproof bag) in case of an emergency.
Visit the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary of Bellingham to get more safety information and details about taking boating classes. For more information, check out the following links!