For Immediate Release

Date: Friday, June 25, 2004

Holiday Weekend Boating Safety Urged

Despite a relatively safe boating season thus far, several recent recreational boating incidents should remind boaters to be especially careful during the warmer weather, according to the Oregon State Marine Board.

"We're still at zero recreational boating fatalities for the year, which is remarkable," says Randy Henry, information representative for the Marine Board. "But we've seen several serious injuries recently, and the busiest boating weekends are yet to arrive."

Several notable incidents in recent weeks include a person being hit by a propeller while boarding a boat, and a person losing a foot in a collision between a personal watercraft and a boat.

A recent fatality on the Washington side of the Columbia was apparently caused when the lead to a stuck anchor was tied to the back of the boat to pull it free, quickly swamping the boat. "All of these accidents are easily prevented and turn great recreation into terrible tragedies," says Henry.

"Even passengers should be aware of basic boating safety rules," says Henry. "The safest boat is one in which every person aboard knows the rules and helps the operator be safe." Henry offers these basic reminders.

• Always wear a life jacket. Each person aboard must have access to an appropriately sized life jacket, and youth 12 and younger must wear theirs. This applies to all watercraft, from inflatable rafts and kayaks, to powerboats.
• Alcohol is involved in nearly half of all boating accidents nationally. Intoxicated passengers are as likely to die in boating accidents as intoxicated operators. Leave the alcohol on shore.
• Maintain a constant lookout for other boats. When pulling a skier, boarder or tuber, each boat or personal watercraft must have an operator and a spotter. The operator should concentrate on what's ahead, taking verbal commands from the spotter.
• Never anchor from the stern in a current or in windy conditions. If the anchor line is stuck, attach the line to the front of the boat and provide gentle pressure. If it doesn’t come free, cut the rope. If the anchor line becomes entangled in the propeller while the anchor is out, cut the rope quickly.
• Always shut off the motor when a person is climbing from the water into the boat. Many propellers continue to spin when the motor is in neutral.
• If you plan to watch July 4 fireworks from your boat, make sure your navigation lights work and use them between sunset and sunrise. Lighting fireworks from your boat is dangerous – don't do it.
• If you are 40 or younger and operating a powerboat greater than 10 horsepower, you must carry a boater education card. Contact the Marine Board for more information.

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