The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, Southern New Jersey Flotillas, remind boaters to remain vigilant and avoid disaster.
“Search ends for man after South Jersey Boat Crash.” “Missing Boater in Delaware River.” “Sinking Boat off Cape May.”
According to the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, Southern New Jersey Flotillas, those are a few of the tragic headlines that have made South Jersey news in the first half of the 2018 boating season.
With that in mind, The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, Southern New Jersey Flotillas, remind boaters to remain vigilant and avoid disaster by taking the “Seven Step Test for Boating Safety”.
· Remember to check life jackets, as boaters must have one, properly fitted life jacket for every person on board. The law requires all children younger than 13 to wear one, and it must not be an inflatable life jacket.
· Remember to get a Coast Guard Auxiliary vessel safety check. The Auxiliary will review equipment to help ensure a safe boating environment for boaters, passengers and crew.
· Carry a VHF Marine radio on board, and don’t rely on a cellphone. Auxiliary patrols have rescued boaters in danger of collision with commercial shipping when the boater had no radio to contact the ship’s captain.
· Take the Coast Guard boating safety course, which leads to the required New Jersey boating certificate. Call the Marlton Flotilla at (856) 797–1939 for information on a nearby class.
· Review the navigation “rules of the road” and carry the proper signaling devices including a reliable horn.
· If trailering a boat, be sure the brakes, wheel bearings, lights, safety chain and the winch are in good working order.
· Be prepared for minor medical problems, sunshine, and the effects of weather, wind and waves. Carry water to stay hydrated and have an ample supply of sunscreen.
Paul Whitman, Jr., a member of Marlton Flotilla 1808, expressed his concern for boaters.
“As a Coast Guard Auxiliarist and licensed commercial captain, I’ve seen too many dangerous situations that could have easily been avoided by following these seven steps,” Whitman said. “Wear your life jacket. Get a free Vessel Safety Check. Use a marine radio; don’t rely on your cellphone. Take the boating safety course offered by the Auxiliary. Practice proper fueling. Don’t use alcohol or drugs while boating. Know the law and remember safety applies to Personal Watercraft and Paddlecraft.”
The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, founded in 1939, is the uniformed, volunteer arm of the United States Coast Guard. Auxiliary duties include: promoting and improving recreational boating safety, providing trained crews and facilities to augment the Coast Guard and enhance safety and security of ports, waterways, and coastal regions, and support Coast Guard operational, administrative and logistical requirements.
