Nothing beats boating as a way to relax, have fun, enjoy the outdoors and bring friends and family together on our local waters. The National Safe Boating Council's mission is to advance and promote a safer recreational boating experience through education, outreach and training. Their goal is to improve boater behavior through education, awareness, and training to make recreational boating a safe and enjoyable experience by reducing boating accidents.
This year they are launching their "Wear It!" campaign. It encourages everyone to wear life jackets. New York State law requires children under the age of 12 aboard pleasure vessels less than 65 feet in length, canoes, kayaks or rowboats unless in an enclosed cabin. Anyone being towed (wakeboarding, water skiing, tubing, etc). Be sure to read the 2013 New York State Boater's Guide.
There are many boating safety courses being offered locally. Check them out. It is much better to be safe than be a headline on the news.
No matter how much experience you have, it’s always a good idea for everyone to review boating safety rules before departures. Familiarize yourself with these 10 basic boating safety tips:
- Be Weather-wise
- Follow a Pre-Departure Checklist
- Use Common Sense
- Designate an Assistant Skipper
- Develop a Float Plan
- Make Proper Use of Lifejackets
- Avoid Alcohol
- Learn to Swim
- Take a Boating Course
- Consider a Free Vessel Safety Check
This is the season to get out and enjoy! Tell us about your favorite spots to go boating on LongIsland.com Forum.