For Immediate Release

Date: August 29, 2005

Use Caution When Boating On the Coast

The Buoy 10 fishing season is underway. Thousands of anglers are heading to Astoria to join the excitement of fishing one of the most popular fisheries in the northwest. A report from the Oregon State Marine Board on recreational boating accidents from 1995-2003 indicates that more than 94 percent of coastal boating fatalities occur on coastal bars- the point where the outgoing river meets the ocean- or in the surf. This is especially important at Buoy 10 where boaters spend large amounts of time trolling right at the mouth of the river. The review shows that people wearing life jackets have a much higher survival rate than those who don’t.

The Marine Board reminds people to:

• Check bar, tide and weather conditions before launching.

• Plan your trip when the weather is stable.

• Make sure you are carrying emergency gear; a VHF radio, flares and an anchor with plenty of line.

• Before re-entering the bay, use VHF channel 16 to get current bar conditions to ensure it’s safe to cross. Conditions can change very quickly and breaking waves are difficult to see from the ocean side of the bar.

• Don’t cross on an ebb tide.

• Be aware of commercial traffic and move out of their way.

• Always, always wear a life jacket when crossing the bar.

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