State/Federal Task Force Aims to Reduce Boat Accidents
In a six-week period last summer, the US Coast Guard responded to more than 300 calls for rescue at the mouth of the Columbia River, a number reflective of record salmon runs returning to coastal rivers in 2001. Another large run is forecast, prompting a team of state and federal agencies to launch a campaign to save lives and prevent another season like 2001.
"We lost 13 boaters in Oregon and Washington coastal salmon fisheries last year," said Don Knesebeck, boating safety specialist for the U.S. Coast Guard. "The Buoy 10 salmon fishery at the Columbia River mouth is the most intense coastal fishery and will again draw thousands of boaters beginning August 1. Some of the boaters are experienced but many are not. Our goal with this campaign is to provide critical information and encourage caution so there are fewer accidents and fatalities."
The team, called the Northwest Coast Boating Safety Task Force, is made up of the 13th Coast Guard District, Oregon State Marine Board, Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, Clatsop County Marine Patrol, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Oregon State Police and the US Coast Guard Auxiliary.
"We've organized interagency teams that will provide safety patrols and law enforcement at Buoy 10. Volunteer Coast Guard Auxiliarists will patrol, offer assistance and hand out educational material," said Knesebeck. "We hope to have people at the primary boat ramps and on the water seven days a week beginning August 1. This is unprecedented but we believe it's a necessary response to what we saw last year. Having all of these resources to assist with education, enforcement, and minor emergencies will allow our highly trained Coast Guard rescue personnel to concentrate on more serious cases."
Specially trained Auxiliarists will provide free vessel safety checks and will hand out safety packets, including a free Buoy 10 diagram marked with danger zones and navigational aids. "We're providing this chart and related information to help boaters understand that some areas, like Peacock Spit, are grave yards," said Marty Law, of the Oregon State Marine Board. "As winds and tides change, breakers can rise without warning and swamp a boat. If you know where these areas are, you can avoid them."
Radio and television announcements are already being aired in Washington where 11 of the 13 fatalities occurred. “Many of these boaters get into trouble because they find themselves in conditions that are beyond the limitations of their boats, motors, and boating skills,” said Terry Rudnick of Washington Fish and Wildlife, and Washington State Parks Boating Programs. “Know your limits. If you aren’t familiar with the area, or if the conditions seem dangerous, don’t go out. It’s not worth endangering yourself for a fish.”
Knesebeck said the campaign focuses on preparation and knowledge. He offered the following safety tips to coastal anglers.
- Cold water kills quickly, wear a life jacket. None of the victims in 2001 was wearing a life jacket. New life jacket models are comfortable and don't inhibit movement. Consider gear that protects against hypothermia, especially if operating well off shore.
- Know local hazards. Use charts, obey rough bar warnings, listen to weather reports and avoid submerged jetties, reefs or sandbars. Avoid any river mouth at ebb tide.
- Carry VHF radio and flares. If you have equipment failure, you may have only a few minutes before being pushed into a dangerous area. A VHF radio provides instant access to rescue. Cell phones are NOT a good alternative, but may serve as back up.
- File a float plan. Tell a friend or relative where you are going and how long you will be gone. Contact them when you return or if you change plans.
- Carry a good anchor and plenty of line. If you have mechanical problems, this will keep you from drifting into surf or other hazards.
- Know the limitations of your boat. Boat manufacturers build their boats for different types of water conditions. Many boats are designed for use in protected waters. The coastal areas of Oregon and Washington are NOT protected waters. Stay within the manufacturers recommended operating limits for your boat.
- Load your boat carefully. Small boats are unstable – keep center of gravity low and keep boat balanced. Overloaded boats swamp more easily.
- Stay with your boat. If your boat capsizes, stay with it as long as possible. It provides a better search target. If possible, climb onto the boat to reduce hypothermia risk.
- Take a safe boating course. Educated boaters are far less likely to be involved in an accident.
Class information, sample float plan and other safe boating tips are available at these web sites:
· www.uscgboating.org
· www.boatwashington.com
· www.boatoregon.com
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