Over The Bow Volume 74 Issue 3 Fall 2016 | Page 42

Stepping Up

ECREATIONAL BOATING SAFETY

is our Job 1.

Through our efforts in vessel exams, program visits and public education we strive to reduce the number of boating fatalities each year, but each year this becomes a more of a challenge as the numbers of paddle craft deaths increase.Interest in paddle sports has increased significantly over the past few years and it’s not unheard of for a single Dick’s Sporting Goods location to sell 85 kayaks in a single day. WalMart and other large retailers also regularly sell a large numbers of paddle craft. Over 300 thousand are sold each year. When someone buys a canoe, kayak or other type of paddle craft are they also buying PFD’s or education?

A growing number of states now require mandatory education for all power boat operators, but what about the paddle craft enthusiasts? We offer our Paddle Sports America course and the ACA also offers a number of paddle craft courses.

The Coast Guard estimates that 80 percent of boating fatalities could have been prevented by wearing a PFD. A large number of these fatalities are paddle boaters. Too often the paddle boater doesn’t have a PFD or is not wearing one.

Far too many paddle boaters don’t realize what equipment should be aboard. In addition to the life jacket do they have a whistle or sound producing device? Do they have visual distress signals or secondary paddle? Do they have docking lines or bungees?

The American Canoe Association has released an application for both iOS and Android operating systems. The app, called Paddle Ready, allows users to create a float plan, check local weather and will create a vessel safety checklist based upon vessel type. There are also links to law enforcement and boating safety organizations.

The conscientious paddler will have a vessel safety check conducted, but it’s up to us to step up and get the word out. Education is so important, as is the vessel exam and program visits to the retailers that sell paddle craft. By addressing each of these issues head on, especially the wearing of the life jacket, we take a giant step toward reducing the number of paddle craft fatalities.

During our paddle craft inspections, in addition to speaking about the benefits of the “If Found” sticker we should also invite the boater to attend our Paddle Sports America course.

There’s no doubt in my mind that by stepping up we can make difference.

Semper Paratus.

DCO(e) Gus Formato

R

OVER THE BOW Fall 2016