Fourteen Steps to Safe and Enjoyable Boating
Boat Tips from Irish Water Safety to Come Home Safely
Jan 24, 2009
An average of 160 people die by drowning each year in Ireland. Recognizing that many deaths by drowning are preventable, Irish Water Safety (IWS) was organized and granted government funding in November of 1999, growing out of the Irish Water Safety Association established in 1971.
Among the organization's many water safety projects is a set of boating safety recommendations. A colorful poster and brochure describing these tips are available as downloads from the IWS website. The safety recommendations are solid, but one may not be appropriate for all regions. In the United States, the Coast Guard prefers the use of marine VHF radio instead of cellular phone to communicate an emergency.
Irish Water Safety: 14 Steps to Safe & Enjoyable Boating
These are fourteen steps recommended by Irish Water Safety for boating safely:
- Check the condition of your boat – Inspect the boat, safety equipment, fuel supply, engine condition, and tools
- Check the weather forecast for the area where you intend to boat – Marine weather forecasts in the United States can be found at NOAA’s National Weather Service
- Check on local boating conditions – Seek local knowledge of things like currents and strong tides
- Don’t drink alcohol before or during a boating trip
- Carry an alternative means of propulsion – Bring along an extra paddle, oar or outboard motor
- Carry a first-aid kit and emergency distress signals onboard – IWS recommends a at least two aerial parachute flares and two red handheld flares
- Carry a fire extinguisher, a means to manually bail the boat and an anchor with a line attached to it
- Carry a marine VHF radio or other means to communicate to the shore
- Don’t overload your boat – Overloading impacts stability and vessel handling
- Avoid starting out on a boat trip without an experienced person being onboard
- File a float plan with the harbormaster or a trusted friend – Include departure/arrival times, number of persons onboard, a vessel description, and contact information
- Wear a lifejacket at all times while onboard
- Keep a weather eye out – Be prepared to seek shelter in time before foul weather endangers the trip
- Know who to call during a marine emergency – In the United States, call the Coast Guard on marine VHF channel 16
Irish Water Safety was established by law to promote water safety in Ireland. The organization’s stated mission is, “We educate people in water safety best practices. We develop public awareness campaigns to promote necessary attitudes, rescue skills and behaviour to prevent drownings and water related accidents.”
Take time to view the Irish Water Safety website. Besides boating safety, the group offers safety tips many other water based activities.
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