[OSMB-News] News Release -Coast Guard, Washington State Parks, Oregon Marine Board Remind Boaters to "Boat Responsibly"

Thu Apr 12 11:44:58 PDT 2012

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[cid:image014.jpg at 01CD18A1.AFEFC4E0]News Release

Date:                           April 11, 2012
Contacts:                     Mr. Dan Shipman, 13th Coast Guard District, (206) 220-7257
                                    Lynn Satre, Wash. State Parks Boating Program, (360) 902-8837
                                    Brent Bower, National Weather Service - Seattle, (206) 526-6095
                                    Ashley Massey, Oregon State Marine Board, (503) 378-2623

Coast Guard, Washington State Parks, Oregon Marine Board Remind Boaters to "Boat Responsibly"

SEATTLE - Recent deadly boating accidents are a tragic reminder of how dangerous cold water can be in the Pacific Northwest. The 13th Coast Guard District, Oregon State Marine Board and the Washington State Parks Boating Program remind boaters to be careful on the water this spring.

In Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana, there have been nine fatal boating accidents since mid-March, with five occurring in Washington State.

"There are three common factors in each one of these tragic accidents: cold water, no life jackets and small paddle crafts," said Dan Shipman, Recreational Boating Safety Specialist for the 13th Coast Guard District. "All accidents included water temperatures in the upper 30's, seven of the victims were not wearing lifejackets, and eight were operating small paddle crafts."

Sudden immersion and exposure to cold water can quickly incapacitate a person who has unexpectedly ended up in the water. The sudden immersion in cold water makes it difficult, if not impossible, for boaters to keep their heads above water and stay afloat. Wearing a lifejacket gives boaters the best chance to survive.

Snow melt and mountain runoff means spring waters in the Northwest will be cold and dangerous for the next several months. Boaters should make sure they have the required equipment - on board and in peak condition.

"If you go out on the water this spring, make sure to check the weather, water conditions and never boat beyond your skill level and the capabilities of your vessel," said Shipman.

The National Weather Service offers online weather and river information useful for trip planning for Oregon, in addition to radio broadcasts along the coast by tuning in to 1610 AM:
-        http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/pqr/
-        www.weather.gov/Portland<http://www.weather.gov/Portland>
-        www.weather.gov/Pendleton<http://www.weather.gov/Pendleton>

The 13th Coast Guard District, Oregon State Marine Board and Washington State Parks Boating Program offer these additional boating safety guidelines:

*       Start enjoying boating the right way, with a course to develop skills and safe operation. Paddle sports instruction is offered by local clubs, outfitters and many park and recreation departments.

*       Always wear a properly fitted, U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket. Oregon and Washington states require all children 12 years old and younger to wear a properly fitting personal flotation device when boating in a boat that's underway.

*       Scout the condition of the lake, river or coastal waters before getting underway.

*       Be a competent swimmer.

*       Keep a sharp lookout for unexpected hazards. It's especially important this time of year when rivers run high and are full of debris.

*       Never use alcohol or drugs when boating or floating in a river. They dull important survival reflexes and impair decision-making skills.

*       Children should never boat or float a river without the close supervision of an adult.

*       Know and practice river rescue and self-rescue techniques. Be prepared to get wet and wear appropriate clothing for the conditions.

Boating fatality statistics have shown that wearing a lifejacket gives boaters the best chance of survival in the event of an accident, especially in cold water. Make boating safe, enjoyable and fun.
For more information on water safety and drowning prevention, visit the following websites:

 *   www.boat.wa.gov<http://www.boat.wa.gov>
 *   www.boatoregon.com/safety<http://www.boatoregon.com/safety>
 *   http://public.health.oregon.gov/PreventionWellness/SafeLiving/KeepingChildrenSafe/SafeKids/Pages/index.aspx
 *   www.uscgboating.org<http://www.uscgboating.org>
 *   http://www.americancanoe.org/?page=Top_10
 *   http://www.americancanoe.org/resource/resmgr/sei-educational_resources/brochure_cold_water_survival.pdf

###

Ashley A. Massey
Public Information Officer
Oregon State Marine Board
503-378-2623
Ashley.massey at state.or.us<mailto:Ashley.massey at state.or.us>

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