Safe Boating Awareness Initiatives

Hundreds of boaters will be hitting the waters in Delaware during the upcoming weeks for the summer season. With that in mind, the Indian River Volunteer Fire Company is reminding boaters of some basic safety tips to ensure that their trips on the water end only with good memories and not in tragedy.

Boaters are asked to be alert at all times, avoid driving a vessel while intoxicated, and put a life jacket on everyone on board. Delaware State law requires children ages 12 and under to wear life jackets while a vessel is underway. Adults are encouraged to wear life jackets, as is anyone with limited swimming skills.

Officials stress importance of wearing life jackets (Cape Gazette Article by Ron MacArthur)

• Delaware had zero fatalities on the water in 2013

http://capegazette.villagesoup.com/p/officials-stress-importance-of-wearing-life-jackets/1185905

Other recommendations to ensure boater awareness are:

(1) Taking a boating safety course - "Boat Certifed"

This can also improve your skills and reduce the chances of an accident. Coast Guard statistics show that where instructional data was available, 85 percent of reported fatalities occurred on boats where the operator had not received boating safety instruction.

Delaware’s Office of Boating Safety provides volunteer instructors to private and non-profit organizations, schools, clubs, and to the public to educate boaters on skills and seamanship and to encourage them to be safe, knowledgeable and responsible. Courses are offered free of charge, including materials and educational aids.

Under Delaware law, all persons born on or after Jan. 1, 1978 must successfully complete a boating safety course in order to operate a boat in Delaware waters, including personal watercraft.

(2)  Remember:  "Boat Safe, Boat Smart, Boat Sober"

- Know the weather conditios before you head out.

- Know the navigational hazardous, in your areas.

- File a float plan with someone responsibe.

- Verify your safety equipment.

- Avoid boating intoxicated.

For more information on Delaware’s boating safety education courses, please visit www.fw.delaware.gov/Boating/BoatingSafety.htm