Some Safety Issues You May Want to Consider
from Fleet Surgeon Barbara Jean Wilk, M.D.

Boating isn’t without risk, as seasoned veterans of the Yacht Club are well aware. I’d like to bring a few safety issues to your attention that you might not have considered:

1. Commercial boats are required to carry an EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon), but since the prices have come down on EPIRBs, all boaters should consider outfitting their boats with this device. The 406-megahertz models are now registerable with the USCG so that if you activate your EPIRB in an emergency, they know it is your boat in distress. Through satellite triangulation or actual sending of GPS coordinates, your location can be determined, which will speed the arrival of local emergency help. We all hope we will never be faced with emergencies at sea, but owning an EPIRB may become invaluable in getting prompt help if problems arise.

2. Barges and tankers are frequently seen in Long Island Sound. Many of these vessels are being towed by a tugboat. Be extremely cautious in maneuvering at the bow of the barge or tanker since boats have been caught in or damaged by the tow cable that may be several hundred feet long, submerged, and not readily visible. In fog or at night, make every attempt to avoid the bow of these large vessels.

3. The USCG requires life jackets on all boats. Check the condition of yours each year. If you invite guests who are very small or very large on your boat, make sure that you have a life jacket that will fit them. Adequate life jacket numbers and sizes can’t be stressed enough. Poor swimmers and young children should wear their life jackets at all times while at sea. Consider outfitting your life jackets with personal beacons. In low visibility conditions a personal strobe-type beacon (approximately $20) will greatly enhance chances of finding a person in the water.

4. Fishing or boating in the winter is often very fulfilling, but can be very dangerous. Try to avoid going out alone. In choppy waters and windy conditions, falling overboard can be life-threatening. In cold water hypothermia can immobilize you very quickly. Without another person to help, you may not be able to get out of the water at all.

5. Have plugs available for all through holes in your hull. Failure of a through hole in rough waters is a potential risk for taking on water. Whittled cork stoppers or another form of plug for emergency use is a good precaution.