July, one of the most popular months for boating on one of Utah's waters is coming up, and with it comes some cautions and suggestions from the Utah State Parks and Recreation.
According to Ted Woolley, boating coordinator with the state parks, "An increasing number of Utahns are choosing recreational boating as an ideal way to relax with family and friends. It is important that everyone involved in recreational boating wear their life jackets, know and obey the rules of safe boating, observe proper safety practices and show courtesy and consideration on the water.Boating Safety Tips
- Make sure everyone aboard has access to a PFD and those 12 years old and under are wearing one.
- Never operate a vessel under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Maintain a safe distance (150 feet) from other boats or persons.
- Be knowledgeable in basic boating safety.
- Know and understand Utah boating laws and rules.
- Personal watercraft are boats and must abide by all the state's boating laws.
- Personal watercraft can jump another boat's wakes if 150 feet away from the vessel.
Law Changes
Boaters also need to be aware of the new law changes regarding personal watercraft (PWC). The law now requires persons 12 to 18 years old to complete the PWC education course and have in his/her possession a boating safety certificate issued by Utah State Parks and Recreation.
After completion of the course, PWC operators 12 through 15 years old, must be under direct supervision of an adult who is at least 18 years old.
Boating Preparations
"Preparing your boat, boating safety equipment and trailer before leaving home is key to an enjoyable boating experience," reminds Woolley.
State Parks would like to offer the following boat and trailer preparation tips.
Equipment Checklist - boats must carry the following:
- Coast Guard Approved PFDs, in good, serviceable condition, for each person on board. Make sure the PFD fits each person properly, especially your children. An additional throwable device is required for boats 16 feet and more in length.
- Approved, fully-charged fire extinguisher for motorboats.
- A horn or whistle for boats over 16 feet in length.
- A spare paddle or oar for boats less than 26 feet in length.
- A bailing device.
Other items to have on board include:
- Visual distress signaling devices; anchor and anchor line; tool kit, spare parts and flashlight; first aid kit; boarding ladder; spare bilge plug; spare propellers; duct and electrical tape.
After the equipment check, a check of the boat and trailer is next: Boating Operation Checklist
- Fill fuel tanks; fuel lines and tank checked for leaks; navigation lights and horn working; boat checked for leaks, bailed out, the boat plug is in; all gear and supplies properly stowed and secure; motor in good operating condition; propeller in good condition, with the lower unit free of weeds and debris.
Life Jackets
The vast majority of people who die in recreational boating accidents fall overboard or capsize their boats. Once in the water, even an experienced swimmer can quickly lose coordination and drown.
The problem is compounded if the person is wearing heavy clothing or has been drinking alcoholic beverages, or if the water is cold.
Everyone knows that life jackets save lives, but they can only work if people wear them. Life jackets stored below deck or jammed into a storage compartment are of no use to someone who is knocked unconscious in a fall overboard.
Utah State Parks and Recreation remind recreational boaters that the best "insurance policy" against accidental drowning is to wear a life jacket. Countless lives have been saved because boating accident victims were wearing their life jackets. And as many lives have been lost because they were not.
Small boats are unstable at best, and when weather and water conditions deteriorate, there is no smarter move than to make sure everyone is wearing their life jacket.
For a free copy of "Highlights From Utah Boating Laws and Rules" or the division's home boater education course, "Utah Boating Basics: A Guide To Responsible Boating," write to the Utah State Parks and Recreation at 1636 West North Temple, Salt Lake City, UT, 84116-3156 or call 538-7220 or 538-7361.