Staying sober, staying safe, being sensible being stressed for July 4th boating holiday

You wouldn’t think this would be necessary but the Coast Guard reminds mariners not to use emergency flares as celebration tools for the July 4th holiday period,, which begins Tuesday.

No question, the Coast Guard correctly notes, the Independence Day holiday period is typically busy. In fact, off the three summer holidays, the July 4^th one is the busiest waterways boating one in Ohio.

Previous years have shown an influx of Coast Guard responses, the Homeland Security agency says.

Coast Guard statistics show that drowning was the reported cause of death in more than three-fourths of recreational boating fatalities in 2016, and that 83 percent of those who drowned were not wearing life jackets.

Likewise, beachgoers are reminded to look for signs marking hazardous areas and watch out for fluctuating water currents, strong undertows and riptides.

The Coast Guard goes so far as to suggest that personal locator beacons be employed by kayakers and boarders.

It is also recommended to utilize the buddy system when out and about. Solo-adventurers are advised to leave float plans with friends and family including estimated times of departures and arrivals.

Boaters and operators are encouraged to wear lifejackets and are reminded to provide personal flotation devices for all persons aboard and be sure to check all required safety equipment.

Anyone operating a watercraft should not consume any alcohol or other intoxicating substance. This point is being driven home this holiday period as local, state and federal waterways law enforcement agencies step up surveillance during their joint “Operation Dry Water” campaign, designed to look out for watercraft users operating a vessel while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

You wouldn’t think this would be necessary but the Coast Guard reminds mariners not to use emergency flares as celebration tools for the July 4th holiday period,, which begins Tuesday.

No question, the Coast Guard correctly notes, the Independence Day holiday period is typically busy. In fact, off the three summer holidays, the July 4^th one is the busiest waterways boating one in Ohio.

Previous years have shown an influx of Coast Guard responses, the Homeland Security agency says.

Coast Guard statistics show that drowning was the reported cause of death in more than three-fourths of recreational boating fatalities in 2016, and that 83 percent of those who drowned were not wearing life jackets.

Likewise, beachgoers are reminded to look for signs marking hazardous areas and watch out for fluctuating water currents, strong undertows and riptides.

The Coast Guard goes so far as to suggest that personal locator beacons be employed by kayakers and boarders.

It is also recommended to utilize the buddy system when out and about. Solo-adventurers are advised to leave float plans with friends and family including estimated times of departures and arrivals.

Boaters and operators are encouraged to wear lifejackets and are reminded to provide personal flotation devices for all persons aboard and be sure to check all required safety equipment.

Anyone operating a watercraft should not consume any alcohol or other intoxicating substance. This point is being driven home this holiday period as local, state and federal waterways law enforcement agencies step up surveillance during their joint “Operation Dry Water” campaign, designed to look out for watercraft users operating a vessel while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

- By Jeffrey L. Frischkorn

JFrischk@Ameritech.net