Wear a Life Jacket:
The U.S. Coast Guard estimates that life jackets could have saved the lives of over 80 percent of boating fatality victims.
All boats are required to carry a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket for everyone on board. Children 14 years of age or younger, on board vessels 19 feet or less, must wear an approved life jacket when the vessel is underway.
Boat Sober
The U.S. Coast Guard reports that 1/3 of all boating deaths involved drugs or alcohol.
When boating on a lake or river the motion, vibration, engine noise, sun, wind, all put added stress on boat operators, which can intensify the effect of alcohol and drugs. This can dramatically affect the operator’s coordination, judgment, reaction time, and vision.
Check Your Equipment
Boaters should make sure their gear is in good condition before heading out on the water. Check that the engine is working properly and all fuel lines are secure. Navigation lights are required if boating at night or during limited visibility. Fire extinguishers should be charged. Check that life jackets are still in good condition.
Cold Water Immersion
It’s not cold in the summer, so what’s the problem? Well, in Idaho, even summer water temperatures can hover around 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Our body’s response to immersion into 50-degree water is something we don’t have a lot of control over. Cold water immersion will play out in four stages: Cold Shock Response – You just fell overboard! The shock of the cold water causes you to gasp for air. It takes your breath away! With all this gasping, hyperventilation will kick in, which can reduce blood flow to the brain and your oxygen supply. This may cause dizziness and confusion. Along with the hyperventilation, there is a claustrophobic feeling of not being able to get enough air and this increases the potential for panic. And if that’s not enough, the ability to hold your breath is almost impossible! And your respiratory problems are just the beginning. In addition, your Cardiovascular Responses can then include rapid heart rate (up to double or more of your normal heart rate) and some irregular heartbeats. This increased workload on the heart puts even the healthiest individuals in danger of a heart attack. Cold Incapacitation – Very soon after immersion, the cold water can impair your ability to undertake critical survival activities. You might not be able to put on your life jacket, hold onto a floatation aid, re-board your vessel, climb a ladder, hold a rescue line, swim, or stay afloat. Swim failure can happen even to “good” swimmers. Many classed as “good” swimmers in a heated pool are unable to swim even short distances in cold water, even to save their life. This loss of manual dexterity is not caused by a low core body temperature (hypothermia.) Hypothermia is the next step. Hypothermia (Deep Body Cooling) – Once you are immersed in cold water, your core body temperature begins to decline and hypothermia can set in as quickly as ten minutes. This rate depends on water temperature, clothing, body type, and your behavior in the water. Cold water robs the body of heat 25 times faster than cold air. In many cases, you may lose consciousness and drown before your temperature drops low enough to cause death. Circum-rescue Collapse – This occurs during or after rescue. Once rescued after you have been immersed in cold water, you are still in danger from collapse of arterial blood pressure, which can lead to cardiac arrest. Also, inhaled water can damage your lungs, and heart problems can develop as cold blood from your arms and legs is released into the core of your body. Your chance of surviving cold water immersion depends on having the ability to swim, to keep your head out of the water (even without floatation aids), and the ability to avoid panic. You need to have sufficient flotation in order to keep your head above water, control your breathing, have a timely rescue by yourself or others, and to retain heat. Prepare for boating in cold water conditions by always wearing a secured life jacket (PFD) and wearing layered clothing for insulation. Your best bet is to carry and wear proper protective clothing: PFDs Floatation Suits Immersion SuitsWhat is cold water immersion?
How can I protect myself in cold water?
Here's another reason to wear your personal floatation device (PFD)! The more coverage your PFD provides, the better it is at preventing hypothermia. Even lightweight PFDs will help, though, if they're designed to keep your head above water.
You hear these called "wet suits." They can be a one-piece suit or a jacket and pants combination. A thin layer of water will come between you and your suit. Your body warms that water and helps maintain your core temperature.
Boaters who are out for long periods of time or in colder weather should carry an immersion suit that can be quickly donned in an emergency. These are considered "dry" suits, and they provide the highest level of thermal insulation as well as flotation. They are designed to keep you alive for an extended period of time until help arrives. To learn more check out www.boatidaho.org
Personal Watercraft
Personal watercraft such as jet skis, waver runners, and sea-doos are popular on Idaho
lakes. These boats have some additional safety requirements. Anyone operating or riding on a jet ski must wear a life jacket. Personal watercraft’s come with an emergency cut-off lanyard that must be attached to the operator. Before borrowing a Personal Watercraft, take time to learn how to operate the vessel.
Use extreme caution on rivers during periods of high water and when the river drops. A stretch of river that appears safe with no logjams on one day can become very deadly the next day when new obstructions are pushed in by spring runoff.
Take a Boating Course
Boat smart by learning the rules of the waves in a boating safety class. Idaho Parks and Recreation offers home study, on-line and classroom courses. Taking a boating class could also reduce your boat insurance.
Operate at a Safe Speed
Although there are no numerical speed limits on the water, citations may be issued for excessive speed or reckless operation. Use common sense, and operate at a safe speed at all times — especially in crowded areas.
Weather
Always check the weather report for wind and hazardous weather conditions before planning your journey. File a float plan with a friend, detailing the length of your trip, your travel route and destinations, and when you plan to return.
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon Monoxide is a potentially deadly gas that comes from the boat engine exhaust. It has no color, taste or odor. The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include irritated eyes, headache, nausea, weakness, and dizziness and are often confused with seasickness. If someone develops these symptoms, immediately move the person to fresh air and seek medical attention if necessary.
For questions:
Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation
Kim Jackson
Boat Education Safety Coordinator
Boise, Idaho 83716
Phone: 208.514.2417
or visit our website: www.boatidaho.org
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