Busy Holiday Weekend for Rescuers
 Encourages Coast Guard to Address Boating Safety

PORTSMOUTH, Va. – A Coast Guard rescue crew hoisted three people to safety Sunday about 7:30 p.m. This was the third Coast Guard rescue in the region after the death of a North Carolina man Wednesday, urging the service to stress the importance of boating safety.

 

A helicopter crew from Air Station Elizabeth City, N.C., hoisted the three people off a 17-foot skiff that had run aground near Cedar Island in Back Bay, Va., because of approaching foul weather and a dying battery on the trio’s cell, the only means of communication the crew said they knew how to properly operate on board their vessel.

 

The Coast Guard recommends that all boaters have a working VHF radio on board. They should also have the knowledge to work that radio. Boaters can learn how to properly operate their radio by attending one of the many boating safety courses being offered in their area.

 

Saturday morning, Coast Guard rescue crews rescued two men on the North River, N.C., one who sustained injuries to his arm and shoulder, after witnesses say they were jumping the wake of another boat and were ejected from their vessel. The N.C. Department of Wildlife is investigating the incident.

 

Friday, four people were rescued by good Samaritans after their boat capsized 30-miles southeast of Cape Lookout, N.C.  The men radioed for help and had their lifejackets on when their boat went down, which probably saved their lives. A nearby fishing boat was able to save the boaters in a matter of minutes without any injuries.

 

In the year 2002, there were 28 deaths and 193 injuries due to boating accidents in North Carolina and Virginia alone.

 

The Coast Guard encourages boaters to faithfully practice the following four key points of boating safety:

 

  1. Wear Your Life Jacket - Personal flotation devices must be Coast Guard approved, in good, serviceable condition, and the appropriate size for the intended user.  The most important thing you can do to stay safe is to wear a life jacket anytime you're on the water.  The leading cause of boating deaths is drowning.  Many accidents happen so suddenly there is simply no time to put on your life jacket.  The time to have your life jacket on is before you ever leave the dock.  Forget the image of life jackets being orange, bulky, and uncomfortable, today's technologically advanced life jackets are inconspicuous and some double as fishing vests or jackets.  Go to your nearest marine supply store, or go online for the best selection.  Whichever one you choose, make sure you also choose to wear it!
  2. Take America’s Boating Course - Boater education saves lives.  Research shows most boating fatalities occur on boats where the operator had not completed a boating safety education course. Courses cover many aspects of boating safety, from boat handling to reading the weather. To learn boating safety your way, visit www.AmericasBoatingCourse.com, or call 1-866-BOAT-ABC (1-866-262-8222).
  3. Get a Vessel Safety Check - A Vessel Safety Check is a non-enforcement, courtesy examination of your vessel to verify the presence and condition of certain safety equipment required by state and federal regulations. The vessel examiners are trained specialists and members of the United States Power Squadrons or the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. The examiners will also discuss certain safety issues that will make you a safer boater and supply you with a copy of the evaluation to help you follow the suggestions given. Vessels that pass can display the distinctive VSC decal. To get a vessel safety check for your boat, visit www.VesselSafetyCheck.org, or call 1-800-368-5647.  
  4. Don’t Boat under the influence - Boating under the influence, or boating while intoxicated, is just as deadly as drinking and driving. It is illegal to operate a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs in every state. There are stringent penalties for violating BUI/BWI laws, which can include large fines, suspension or revocation of boat operator privileges, and jail terms.