USCG / USCGAux Public Service Announcements
This public service announcement is headlined by Captain Mark Kupperman,
Sector Commander for Sector Eastern Great Lakes. It has been securely uploaded to YouTube and the provided
link grants access to the content.
U.S. Coast Guard / U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Safe Boating Public Service Announcement (PSA):
https://youtu.be/iZa3oRPydm8
[Release Date:16 June 2024].
Tips for All Boaters on New York Waterways
This Summer!
CLEVELAND, OH – Summertime presents an excellent opportunity to partake in local water activities. Whether you are a boater, angler, or water sports enthusiast in New York, it is imperative to uphold responsible behavior on and around the water. The Safe Boating Campaign, spearheaded by the National Safe Boating Council and the U.S. Coast Guard, provides the following guidelines for ensuring safety while boating:
Wear a life jacket. No matter what activity you have planned on the water, always remember to wear a life jacket every time you are on the water. Accidents on the water can happen much too fast to reach and put on a stowed life jacket.
Make sure your life jacket is U.S. Coast Guard approved, appropriate for your water activity and fits properly. A life jacket that is too large or too small can cause different situational problems.
Know state boating laws. Rules and laws can differ from state to state and violations can result in ticketing, fines or jail time.
Take a boating safety course. Learn valuable tips that can help save your life in unexpected situations.
Make sure your boat is prepared. There are many items that need to be checked and rechecked on any boat. Schedule a Vessel Safety Check with your local U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or U.S. Power Squadrons before you hit the water. Every Vessel Safety Check is conducted 100 percent free of charge.
Always file a float plan. File a float plan before you leave shore with someone you trust that includes details about the trip, boat, persons, towing or trailer vehicle, communication equipment, and emergency contacts.
Check the weather, including the water temperature. Know the latest marine weather forecast prior to going out, and keep a regular check for changing conditions.
Don’t drink while you boat. Where the primary cause was known, alcohol was listed as a leading factor in boating-related deaths.
Beware of carbon monoxide poisoning. Gasoline-powered engines on boats, including onboard generators, produce carbon monoxide (CO), a colorless and odorless gas that can poison or kill someone who breathes too much of it. Be sure to install and maintain a working CO detector, never block exhaust outlets, and always dock, beach or anchor at least 20 feet away from the nearest boat that is running a generator or engine.
Keep in touch. Communication devices can be the most important piece of emergency equipment on board a vessel, especially in case of emergency. Be sure to have and know how to use at least two communication devices that work when wet, such as satellite phones, emergency position indicating radio beacons (EPIRB), VHF radios, and personal locator beacons (PLB).
[Release Date: 16 June 2024]