National Safe Boating Week
Posted by: James G. Munger, FC, FSO-IS, FSO-CM-FSO-CS, FSO-HR
National Safe Boating Week
MAY 18-24, 2024
By
James Munger, Division Commander, Division 091-26 USCG Auxiliary
The primary mission of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary is to promote and encourage Recreational Boating Safety, this mission includes traditional activities to improve the knowledge, safety skills, and operating environment of recreational boaters. The USCG Auxiliary and the Roscommon USCG Auxiliary Flotilla is proud to be a partner with the National Safety Boating Council and their National Safe Boating week program.
Recreational boating and water activities are enjoyed by millions of Americans each year, including the thousands who enjoy those activities on Higgins and Houghton Lakes. To encourage safety in recreational boating and water activities, Roscommon USCG Auxiliary Commander James Munger and the members of the local flotilla encourage everyone to join with them in this year’s the Safe Boating Campaign in supporting a culture of safety and encourage those enjoying the water to have the right safety gear.USCG statistics show that drowning was the reported cause of death in four out of every five recreational boating fatalities and that 86 percent of those who drowned were not wearing life jackets. Statistics also show that alcohol use is a major contributing factor to fatal boating accidents,
1. Life jackets: All boaters should always wear a life jacket on any vessel underway (i.e., motorized, and non-motorized watercraft). It is encouraged to have life jackets on children under the age of 13 while swimming or during other activities on open water (i.e., water trampolines, water slides). Michigan State Law requires that all vessels must be equipped with a PFD for each person on board or being towed. Michigan law specifically requires all children under 6 years of age to wear a USCG–approved Type I or II PFD when riding on the open deck of any vessel while underway. Michigan law also requires that each person riding on a PWC or being towed behind a PWC or other vessel must wear a USCG–approved Type I, II, or III personal flotation device.
2. Alcoholic beverages: Boating under the influence of alcohol is the primary leading cause of recreational boating accidents. Any displays of alcoholic beverages or drug use will be avoided in all marketing and advertising. Be conscientious to avoid any containers that may resemble alcoholic beverages.
3. Engine Cut-Off Device: An engine cut-off device should always be used on a watercraft with a motor (i.e., powerboat, personal watercraft). This may be a cord lanyard that is attached to the operator’s wrist or life jacket, and then properly attached, or a wireless device that includes a wristband or visible fob for the boat operator and/or passengers. An engine cut-off device will immediately stop the boat’s engine should the operator, or for some brands – even passenger, fall overboard. Boats manufactured on or after January 2020 are required to have an engine cut-off switch and use of that switch is mandatory on those vessels. Michigan law specifically requires that all PWC have an engine-cut off switch and the lanyard must be connected to the operator.
4. Carbon Monoxide: Gasoline powered engines on boats produce carbon monoxide; an odorless and colorless gas that is poisonous. Please avoid people swimming anywhere near the stern (rear) of a motorized vessel or occupants sitting along the swim deck/platform of a motorized vessel while the boat motor is running.
5. Leash: If a standup paddleboard activity is featured, the participant should wear an appropriate leash for the venue. This is attached to the paddleboard and to the participant’s ankle or calf.
Roscommon Flotilla Commander James Munger also encourages all boaters to install and use a Marine VHF radio in the watercraft, including portable radios in all PWC and paddle craft. The Flotilla has now established a local VHF Marine Fixed Radio Facility, identified as Houghton Lake Radio, which will be monitoring the International Distress Channel 16 during the peak boating season and events on Higgins and Houghton Lakes. When a call for assistance is received, the station can locate other nearby members of the public to assist or contact commercial assistance. The station will issue weather alerts and other water safety information. Anyone with questions about the installation and use of Marine VHF radios, should contact Flotilla Commander James Munger who is the Flotilla Service Officer for communications at: jgmcfps@bellsouth.net.
One of the primary activities of the flotilla is conducting boating safety education training. A continuation of its public information mission is the vessel safety inspection program on recreational boats. These are voluntary and done while at a private dock, on a ramp or on land (on a trailer) and the auxiliary checks for working items such navigation lights, bilge pumps, flares, and proper number of life jackets. Once a vessel has been inspected and passed a USCG vessel inspection sticker will be applied. According to Commander Munger, one advantage to having your boat inspected by the flotilla is that the inspection is recognized by both county and state marine law enforcement agencies.
On average the Roscommon auxiliary checks around 200 boats every year. If someone is interested in having their boat inspection, they should call Commander Munger at (256) 736-3840 or jgmcfps@bellsouth.net. Munger emphasized that the safety inspections are done free of charge.
The Roscommon USCG Auxiliary is seeking new members. Membership is open to anyone 17 years of age and above. Joining the Auxiliary is a fantastic way for someone considering enlisting in the activity duty forces to become familiar with the USCG and its mission and various activities. According to Commander Munger the flotilla is also seeking individuals with watercraft or private aircraft who are not only interested in becoming members but who would like to offer their water or aircraft for approval as an official facility for missions. When they are on patrol these members are reimbursed for fuel and other related costs.
Commander Munger encourages anyone who is interested in learning more about the local flotilla, its programs or becoming a member to contact him at jgmcfps@bellsouth.net or (256) 736-3840.
Updated April 11, 2024