May 19, 2013
National Safe Boating Week began on Saturday and with the rising temperatures comes a rise for concern for the recreational hobby.
Boating officials are concerned about not only amateur but professional boaters and how they conduct safety screenings before they head out. At first glance Coast Guard officials say boaters check their vessels for life vests for each person on board. Wearing lifejackets are not required by law for boaters over 13 years of age. Second, all boats must carry a sound producing device to alerts other boaters when there is trouble. Marine radios are not required for recreational boats under 45 feet. Boaters must also carry visual distress signals on board, like flares, as well as fire extinguishers.
For more safety information you can visit the United States Power Squadrons online at www.usps.org.
