Heading into a long U.S. holiday weekend, we dive a little deeper into best boating practices while examining the Safe Boating Campaign—a global effort focused on responsible boating sponsored by the National Safe Boating Council in partnership with the U.S. Coast Guard.
At its heart, the Safe Boating Campaign is a grassroots effort where partners communicate the importance of safe and responsible boating via events, social media, and workshops throughout local communities.
Know the Risks
Drowning is perhaps the most obvious hazard to consider anytime we’re on the water. In the U.S. alone, roughly 3,960 people drown each year–an average of 11 fatal drownings per day—with an estimated 8,080 nonfatal U.S. drownings that occur annually, equivalent to 22 per day.
Additionally, about 50% of boating accidents involve drugs or alcohol. Whether on the road or in a boat, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is illegal.
Known as the “silent killer,” carbon monoxide is a third major boating risk. Gasoline-powered boat engines produce carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless, and poisonous gas, as a byproduct of operation.
Keys to Keep You Safe
- Always wear your personal flotation device (PFD) when boating, and ensure that your PFD is appropriate for your boating activity.
- Never operate a boat while under the influence of drugs or alcohol and designate a driver to operate the boat—a sober boat operator is 10 times less likely to be involved in a boating accident.
- When boating, avoid swimming or prolonged exposure near the engine while it’s running.
Stay tuned next month, when we’ll discuss OSHA’s Big Four Construction Hazards.