NAHANT — The Fire Department is encouraging residents to stay safe this summer when boating and going to the beach.
According to the National Safe Boating Council (NSBC), there were 4,168 boating accidents, 2,559 injuries and 613 deaths due to boating in 2019. In addition, 86 percent of drowning victims from recreational boating accidents were not wearing a life jacket, and 23 percent of boating deaths listed alcohol as the leading factor. Among other contributing factors are operator inattention, improper lookout, operator inexperience and excessive speed.
The National Weather Service said that to stay safe, before going out on a boat, operators should go through a checklist of equipment and operation procedures. They should also tell a friend or neighbor where they are going and when they expect to return. It is also important to inspect boat trailers, including tires, brakes and safety chains, before driving.
Boat operators should also practice “man overboard” drills regularly, check the weather forecast before going out on a boat, and keep a weather radio handy for updated reports. According to the NWS, if you lose control in a sailboat, the easiest solution is to let go of the main sheet, which will immediately cock the bow into the wind.
Boating safety courses are beneficial to learning the rules of the water and practicing safe boating, and can be taken through the local Coast Guard auxiliary, power squadron or Red Cross. The Coast Guard auxiliary also offers free boat examinations to ensure that boats are properly outfitted.
In addition to boating safety, the fire department shared tips on how to safely enjoy a beach trip, including how to avoid rip currents.
If you are caught in a rip current are advised to stay calm and swim in a direction following the shoreline. Once free of the current, swim at an angle away from the current and toward the shore. If someone is caught in a rip current, get help from a lifeguard instead of trying to help them yourself; if a lifeguard isn’t present, yell to the person how to escape or throw them something that floats.
Signs of rip currents include a channel of churning choppy water, a difference in water color, a line of seaweed or debris moving out into the lake or a break in the incoming wave pattern.
In addition, never swim alone, and for maximum safety, swim near a lifeguard.
Tréa Lavery can be reached at [email protected].
