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Before You Go Boating

There are several things to consider when it comes to boating safety. Each year in the United States, hundreds of fatalities occur due to a variety of factors related to recreational boating.

In this article program, we will focus on boating safety requirements and topics that every recreational boater should know about before engaging in this enjoyable yet potentially hazardous activity.

When is it a requirement to file a boating accident report?

According to the U.S. Coast Guard, you must file a formal written report of an accident you were involved in when someone dies, is injured outside of first aid, when damage or loss of a vessel amounts to more than $2,000, or if any person on board disappears.

A person must file a boating accident report within 48 hours if the disaster involves death or within a 24-hour period after the accident or sustaining injuries beyond first aid. With property damage or loss, a person involved must report the incident within 10 days.

Who should wear life jackets?

The kind of boating activity you will be engaging in, what kind of water conditions you will be around, and how far away from the shore you will be, is going to determine what kind of life jacket or personal flotation device (PFD) is suitable for you to wear.

You should always wear a PFD that is approved by the US Coast Guard with any type of boating activity, regardless of your age or experience. Accidents happen, so boat safely.

What kind of lifejackets are there?

There are five main types of life jackets or personal flotation devices approved by the US Coast Guard. They range from Type I to Type V. Type I, II, and III are mainly worn by recreational boaters, while Type IV are throwable devices such as life preservers. Type I is an offshore life jacket.

These PFDs are better suited for open or rough waters and are designed to turn unconscious victims face up in the water. Type II is a near shore buoyancy vest, made for calm waters where rescue is almost immediate. This is best for people that are conscious and do not need help keeping their head above water.

Type III is simply called a flotation aid, favored by operators of canoes, kayaks, and sailboat racers. Type IV are throwable devices used in heavy boat traffic areas, and should only be thrown by one who is has been trained to do so.

They are usually in the shape of rings or cushions. Type V PFD’s are special purpose life jackets. They are worn during specific water activities such as white water rafting and may also be better suited for cooler climates.

What is a safe speed limit on the water?

There is no set speed while on the water. Yet traveling on a boat at a safe speed can help prevent potential accidents, so ensure your passengers feel safe and enjoy themselves.

If you feel that you or someone else could possibly be tossed overboard from the speed of the boat, you are likely going too fast. If you happen to be bouncing out of your seat while traveling, you are going too fast for comfort and safety.

What are the different symptoms and treatments for Hypothermia?

The body goes through three stages during hypothermia. The first is mild hypothermia. At this stage, a person begins to feel extremely cold. They may start to shake violently, and their speech may become slurred. Treatment involves removing wet clothing, moving the victim to a warmer place, supplying hot liquids (not coffee or alcohol), and keeping the person warm.

The next stage is moderate hypothermia, which has symptoms that include drowsiness, exhaustion, fatigue, incoherence, and possibly loss of muscle control. Treating this stage of hypothermia is much like the first stage, but the victim should also be covered with warm clothing or blankets, and should receive medical attention right away.

With severe hypothermia, the victim may collapse and become unconscious. They may also start to show signs of respiratory trouble. If medical help has not yet arrived, do your best to keep the victim immobile.

Continue to keep the person warm without stimulating blood circulation in the arms or legs. Doing so could cause cardiac arrest if the cold blood reaches their core.

About the Author

Boating is all about fun and Mike Selvon’s portal will expand your horizon on boating safety requirements. Visit us to receive your free gift and leave a comment at our boating blog.

PFD – Selection Tips

STEARNS Glow Bug Child’s Life Jacket Reflective PFD Vest Preserver 30-50 lbs $9.99

NWOT BODY GLOVE CHILDS LIFE VEST PRESERVER TYPE III PFD YOUTH SKI WAKE BOARD $19.99

CYPRESS GARDENS CHILD SMALL LIFE VEST PRESERVER PFD III $6.50

STEARNS YOUTH SKI LIFE VEST SAFETY PRESERVER PFD III $6.50

STEARNS SKI VEST LIFE JACKET PRESERVER PFD III $7.50

Stearns PFD 5311 Life Preserver Vest Life Jacket Yellow SIZE 30-52 INCH $24.99

Stearns PFD 5348 Life Preserver Vest Life Jacket RED SIZE 32-40 INCH $24.99

Adult Life Jacket Ski Vest Preserver PFD XXL 2X 3X $22.97

NWT STEARNS V-FLEX WOMENS NEOPRENE LIFE VEST JACKET PRESERVER PFD SKI TUBE LARGE $34.99

NWT STEARNS V-FLEX WOMENS NEOPRENE LIFE VEST JACKET PRESERVER PFD SKI TUBE SMALL $34.99

BODY GLOVE CHILD LIFE VEST TYPE LIFE PRESERVER III PFD 30 – 50 POUNDS YELLOW $14.99

Adult Life Jacket Preserver Vest PFD Type III Size S $51.69

STEARNS BARBIE YOUTH SKI LIFE VEST PRESERVER PFD III $7.50

Mustang MV3160-90-GD/RD Lil’ Legends Youth Life Vest PFD Preserver $69.99

Orange/Grey First Watch AV-700 Four Pocket Life Vest PFD Preserver $68.99

Stearns Child Youth Life Jacket Ski Vest Life Preserver Type III PFD Worn 2x $22.95

Stearns Girl Barbie Pink Life Jacket Preserver Ski Vest Type III PFD EUC $24.95

STEARNS Youth Child LIFE Jacket VEST Preserver PFD 50 90 lbs ~EXCELLENT! $25.99

Adult Life Jacket Preserver Vest PFD Type III Size S $51.69

Onyx M24 CO2 Manual Inflate Inflatable PFD Life Jacket Vest Preserver 3100RED $84.99

MW Adult 4-Buckle Life Jacket Ski Vest Preserver PFD $23.95

MW Adult 4-Buckle Life Jacket Ski Vest Preserver PFD $23.95

MW Adult 4-Buckle Life Jacket Ski Vest Preserver PFD $23.95

Near-Shore Buoyant Vest – Type II PFD Small Child Life Jacket Preservers 20-25″ $10.95

(3) Life Jacket PRESERVER PFD boating STERNS Body Child Size Vest swimming EXC! $32.00

USCG APPROVED CHILD’S LIFE JACKET PRESERVER VEST PFD EUC! $14.99

Winning Edge Adult Life Jacket Ski Vest Preserver PFD $24.95

Winning Edge Adult Life Jacket Ski Vest Preserver PFD $24.95

Winning Edge Adult Life Jacket Ski Vest Preserver PFD $24.95

Winning Edge Adult Life Jacket Ski Vest Preserver PFD $24.95

Astral Buoyancy Nova PFD Vest-Marooned/Maroon Red [Life Jacket Preserver] $69.00

Boston Warehouse Orange Polyester Life Preserver Bottle Cover $10.99 Celebrate your nautical side with this life preserver bottle cover by Boston Warehouse. The “life jacket” is crafted of durable polyester and features a rich orange color with a front buckle closure, just like the real thing. This bottle cover is perfect for sailing or water sports enthusiasts, and fits one standard sized wine bottle….

X20 Universal Adult Life Jacket Vest – Blue & Black $18.55 The X20 Universal Life Jacket is an all purpose Coast Guard approved type III flotation device suitable for boating, waterskiing, wake boarding and more. Equipped with three EZ adjustable straps with buckles, the jacket is designed with a universal fit to accommodate most adults from 90 pounds and up. The economically priced life jacket has a durable 200-denier nylon cover with X20 graphics….

Kent Infant Full Throttle Baby Safe Vest (Orange) $19.99 Infant’s Kent Baby Safe Boating Vest “babies” your baby with comfort, support, and U.S. Coast Guard approved protection! BIG BUCKS OFF! The waist belt and shoulder strap ensures a snug fit, while the full-collar design gives extra head and next support. You’ll get to share your love of the open water stress-free knowing your baby is comfortable, and most importantly, safe. Snug as a bug: U.S. Coas…

Survival Lil’ Legends, Available In Various Sizes Exceptionally durable and affordable, these vests are an excellent choice for kids who spend lots of time aboard. They include a two-piece, split-foam flotation collar that cradles your child’s head above the waterline but lies flat when out of the water. Features include: Collar grab handle, Between-the-leg strap with glide adjuster, Full chest belt with an elastic insert for a snug and comfortab…

MW Adult Universal Life Jacket Ski Vest – Blue $18.95 MW Adult Universal Life VestFits all peson with a Chest Size of 30 – 52’3-Buckle Design with Open Sides for Maximum ComfortUSCG(U.S. Coast Guard) Approved Type IIIColor: Blue…

ACR Life Preserver Signaling Emergency Light $24.83 Product No. 3355Life Preserver Signaling Emergency LightDesigned to meet the demands of sea ideal for car boat crew campers crisis or whenever a reliable efficient light is neededSlim lightweight design fits easily in a pocket hangs discreetly when attached to life vest or jacketAttaches easily to life vest or jacket with stainless steel pin or integral lash loops and Velcro strapWaterproof and corrosion resistant caseTwist on/off control can be operated by gloved hands and in adverse conditionsAdjustable wrist strap provides a means for keeping light secureIntense incandescent light visible for up to two miles depending upon conditionsLens simultaneously focuses a beam of light straight ahead and a ring of light all aroundLens intensifies light up to 20 times brighter than comparable productsOperates on 2 AA alkaline or 2 AA 1.5V lithium batteries (5year replacement life; 10year useful life when used with lithium batteries)Operating life More than 8 hours continuous 1C (30F)Size:5.6 x 1.3 in (14.3 x 3.2 cm)Weight:1.3 oz (37 g) without batteriesMaterial:Rugged impact and temperature resistant ABSColor:International orangeOperation:Hold the light body constant and turn the lense top to the left to turn ONWaterproof:Waterproof and corrosion resistant caseBeam:Lens simultaneously focuses a beam of light straight ahead and a ring of light all aroundVisibility:Intense incandescent light visible for up to 2 miles (3.2 km)Lamp:IncandescentBattery Type:2 AA alkaline or 1.5V lithiumCertification:USCG 161.012/36/0 approved with alkaline or lithium batteries; CE Limited Warranty: 1 yearPatent Number:5237491Operational Life:More than 8 hours continuous 1C (30F)Product : ACR CLIGHT PFD VEST LIGHT W/CCLIP INCANDESCENT Manufacturer : ACR ELECTRONICS Manufacturer Part No : 3355 UPC : 791659033555

Rave Sport 02436 Universal Nylon PFD Youth Life Vest $34.45 Each Universal Nylon Life Vest. Surelock buckles. Type III PFD (Infant is Type II). Chest size: 2529 (6474cm).

Rave Sport 02437 Universal Nylon PFD Adult Life Vest $39.65 Each Universal Nylon Life Vest. Surelock buckles. Type III PFD (Infant is Type II). Chest size: 3052 (76132cm).

Mustang Inflatable Vest PFD with LIFT Auto HydrostaticActivation $465.2 The MD0450 Auto Hydrostatic Inflatable Vest with LIFT is a lightweight inflatable PFD designed with a shorter length and a low flexible profile to ensure total mobility during the most rigorous activities. Engineered with revolutionary LIFT technology for increased freeboard and Hydrostatic Inflator Technology (HIT) for reliable inflation in a low maintenance design the MD0450 was designed primarily for performance sailors security and rescue professionals and people in offshore environments. LIFT technology improves safety for users in variable wind and wave conditions by elevating the mouth out of the water by up to 9 inches (23cm). This increase in freeboard has been shown to reduce underwater mouth immersions by 80 reducing the risks of drowing and exposure. Hydrostatic Inflator Technology will only automatically inflate when submerged in 4 or more inches of water and not inadvertantly due to rain spray or humidity. Made for the most severe marine environments the Auto Hydrostatic Inflatable Vest with LIFT will meet the challenges of the most demanding users. 40 lb buoyancy when inflated. LIFT provides up to 9 of freeboard the highest elevation out of water ever seen in a PFD for extra safety in severe weather. This reduces mouth immersions and increases visibility to rescue crews. Auto hydrostatic inflator is maintenance free for 5 years unless inflated. When inflated LIFT bladder has stabilizing wings on sides and behind the neck to provide support in rough waters. Safety Inspection Window window allows user to easily inspect inflator status: green indicates inflator is ready for use. SecureZIP closure withstands rigorous activity and is easy to repack. Comfortable neoprene collar. Mesh back allows for good air flow to keep wearer cool. Durable 420Denier nylon. Cylinder is contained inside bladder to protect against corrosion. Backup oral inflation tube. Strobe light holder safety whistle and SOLAS reflective tape on badder. Dring.

Rave Sport 02435 Universal Nylon PFD Child Life Vest $34.45 Surelock buckles. Type III PFD (Infant is Type II). Child life jacket features leg strap. Chest size: 2025 (5164cm).

Rave Sport 02434 Universal Nylon PFD Infant Life Vest $34.45 Surelock buckles. Type III PFD (Infant is Type II). Infant life jacket features headsup pillow and leg strap. Chest size: 1620 (4151cm).

NRS Rapid Rescuer PFD $229.95 Type III/V PFD. With 22lbs of flotation, adjustability to fit chest sizes from 30 to 56 inches, and all the features you will ever need in a rescue vest the NRS Rapid Rescuer can handle any situation. With box-stitched stress points and a 500-denier Cordura shell, the new NRS Rapid Rescuer is tough enough to handle any situation. Two huge front pockets stretch to hold anything from a GPS to a VHF. Three lash tabs on the front are great for a knife, whistle or anything else you need to keep handy. A d-ring, strobe holder, and tether attachment round out the attachment points on the front with a safety light stick holder on the back and reflective tape everywhere. Universal Plus sizing will fit chest sizes between 30 and 58 inches, with 7 adjustment points to ensure a secure fit.

Astral Camino Life Jacket (PFD) $114.95 The Astral Camino Life Jacket (PFD) is designed to be completly breathable. This kayak lifejacket made by Astral brings you the Airescape ventilation system keeping you cool and comfortable all day in this full featured life jacket. The Camino has Astral’s Airescape ventilation system mesh liner, contoured inner foam and vent ports that combine to eliminate excess heat build-up and perspiration. When you are kayaking, you don’t want to be restricted and the Camino vest won’t allow that. This is a full back kayaking PFD. The ergonomic design offers great fit and range of motion. There are also two large front pockets for storage room. The Astral Camino life jacket for kayaking is a great look with outstanding performance.