5 tips for safe boating
Each year, thousands of boating accidents are handled by officers across the country. Stay safe this summer with these boating safety tips.
California State Parks is providing boating safety tips ahead of Labor Day weekend.
“Safety should always be the top priority when boating,” Ramona Fernandez, deputy director of the park’s Boating and Waterways Division, said in a news release.
The state advises boaters:
- Wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket. Everyone should wear a properly sized vest, according to California State Parks. According to the Coast Guard, in 2023, 87% of drowning victims nationwide were not wearing life jackets.
- Take a safe boating course and get a California Boater Card. Boaters under 60 must carry the card while on the boat. Starting Jan. 1, 2025, boaters of all ages must carry the card. The Coast Guard said that nationally, 75% of deaths occurred on boats whose operators did not receive instruction. The statistic refers to cases where the boater’s training was known. The Coast Guard said that 15% of deaths occurred on boats whose operators had a nationally recognized boating safety training certificate. For more information, visit californiaboatercard.com.
- Check the weather and submit a swim plan before heading out on the water.
- Bring safety equipment such as life jackets, fire extinguishers and an audible signaling device. See the ABCs of California Boating for more details.
- Don’t drink, as alcohol impairs your judgment and reaction time. It is illegal to operate a boat or water ski if your blood alcohol content is 0.08% or higher. A blood alcohol content below 0.08% can lead to an arrest if officers find unsafe conditions, according to California State Parks. Convictions can result in up to six months in jail and/or fines of up to $1,000. Two convictions within seven years can result in up to one year in jail. Boats can also be impounded. According to the Coast Guard, alcohol consumption is the most common known factor in fatal boating accidents nationwide. Alcohol was involved in 17% of deaths.
- Observe waterway rules as indicated on signs and comply with local regulations and boating laws.
- Keep the waters clean. Bring back garbage, food, fishing line and anything else you take out onto the water. Carry oil absorbents on board.
For more information, visit the Boating Division website at www.dbw.parks.ca.gov.
Tips on how to avoid Labor Day traffic in California
AAA offers drivers tips to avoid congestion on the state’s freeways and highways during Labor Day.
The worst traffic will be before the weekend: Thursday and Friday afternoons, said Doug Shupe, corporate communications manager at the Auto Club’s Los Angeles office. He recommends setting off in the morning on both days.
On Saturday, it’s best to wait until 12 or 1 p.m., as many drivers will try to beat traffic by leaving earlier, he said. He added that Tuesday is a better day to return than Monday, and offered other tips, such as getting enough sleep and not driving while drunk.
Notes on air travel on Labor Day weekend
Shupe recommends arriving at the airport at least two hours before domestic flights and no later than three hours before international flights.
He also suggested downloading airline apps to stay informed about cancellations and reserve long-term parking spaces early.
Dave Mason covers East County for the Ventura County Star. He can be reached at [email protected] or 805-437-0232.
