| Boating Safety - It's For Everyone |
| By James "Doc" Lewis |
Published
11/30/2005
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Safety
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Unrated
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Safety Tips
To prevent ending up in the emergency department as a result of carelessness during your next boating trip, the American College of Emergency Physicians recommends the following safety tips:
* Tell someone when you're going, who is with you and how long you'll be away. Then check your boat, equipment, boat balance, engine and fuel supply before leaving.
* Before starting your engine, open hatches, run blower, and most importantly, carefully sniff for gasoline fumes in the fuel and engine areas.
* When changing seats, stay low and near center line of a small boat.
* Always carry life jackets and first aid equipment.
* Watch the weather. Sudden wind shifts, light flashes and choppy water can mean a storm is brewing.
* If you will be fishing, keep fishing and hunting gear clean and well packed.
A loose fish hook can cause a lot of pain and ruin a great outing. Bring an
extra length of line to secure boat and equipment.
* Never drink alcoholic beverages on a boat. Being "tipsy" can result in falling overboard. Your ability to swim to safety or call for help is greatly reduced as alcohol slows reactions.
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