S.A.F.E.
Boating Tips from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources
Today, you
can be a boater by walking into a store, plopping down your
money, hooking up the boat to your car, driving away, and
launching your boat. However, a boater is more than someone who
owns a boat. You need to have the knowledge, skills and ability
to operate a boat. Water is a different environment than land
and boats have different rules and regulations for maneuvering
than vehicles.
By following the four S.A.F.E. boating
principles, you will have a safer and more enjoyable boating
experience.
Four S.A.F.E.
Boating Principles:
Sober Boating - Drive your boat sober.
Alcoholic beverages and boating do not mix.
Alcohol
affects balance, vision, judgment and coordination, all factors
required for safe boating. Research has shown that when combined
with boating stressors such as sun, wind, noise, vibration and
motion, alcohol can impair a person on the water much faster
than on land. It is illegal to operate a watercraft under the
influence of alcohol or drugs.
Alertness - Look
first. Have a proper lookout.
When you're boating, look before you go. Always be aware of your
surroundings before changing course or speed. Not heeding this
basic navigation rule is the leading cause of collision
accidents.
Fasten Life jacket -
Buckle up, wear the gear.
No matter what the
type of life jacket,
the most significant fact about life jackets is that they save
lives. It is important for recreational boaters to take the time
to choose a life jacket that they will wear, that meets the
needs of the activity they are participating in, and that works
for the environment to which they are exposed. People who take
up any sport or job seriously, know to wear the gear.
Education - Get
trained.
Training is required for any person born on or after January 1,
1982, who operates a powerboat more than 10 horsepower.
Education and training is recommended for all boaters.
Statistics prove that an educated boater is involved in fewer
accidents including fewer accidents involving injury or death.
So, be a boater with class --
Get Educated!