We're at the doorstep of open water fishing. Braidwood Lake opened yesterday. This means we'll be bringing out the boats That makes this the time when boat owners get their rigs out on the water for the first time each year.
Picking up much needed supplies, getting the boat tuned up and replacing worn out flotation devices and outdated warning signal flares are all part of the program.
There is a major need for public awareness that boating safety is important and to promote the need for boating safety, May 17 to 23 has been proclaimed to be National Safe Boating Week
A good way to learn more about boating safety would start with a visit the National Safe Boating Council's website at www.SafeBoatingCampaign.net to check out some of the articles and promotions that are going on right now.
The big push is for boaters to wear a personal flotation device (PFD). Although the statistics are down from last year on boating accidents, there is still a need to improve. Last year thirteen persons lost their lives and fifty-seven others were injured in boating related accidents here in Illinois. It may not sound like a lot for the whole state, but isn't one fatality too many?
The Illinois DNR claims that of the thirteen persons who lost their lives, ten of them may have survived if they were wearing a life jacket. Think about it. Thirteen fatalities could have been only three. PFDs should be worn at all time while boats are underway. For the youngsters, they need to have them on at all times.
Illinois law requires that youths under the age of 13 must wear a PFD while on any boat under twenty six feet in length. Youthful boat operators must be in possession of a boating safety certificate which they obtained by attending and successfully completing a boating safety class. This law applies to all from the age of twelve to eighteen. If you will be operating a personal water craft or jet ski, a PFD must be worn at all times regardless of age.
The Illinois DNR provides schedules of boat safety courses on their website at www.dnr.state.il.us/SAFETY/boat.htm. You can also take an online boat safety education course through the IDNR web site. There is a nominal fee and you may just be able to save that amount from your boat insurance policy once you have successfully completed the course and provide the necessary documents to your insurance company.
But do we need laws to force us into using simple common sense when boating? I really don't think so.
When we're on the water, we should be totally aware of what is going on all around us. Be aware speed limits for the body of water that you will be boating in and any special regulations. Some smaller private lakes that allow water skiing during certain hours require that boat travel in certain directions, like pulling skiers in a clockwise direction on the lake.
Maps for lakes and rivers are available everywhere. Be aware of where you will be traveling. Know the depths and pay attention. I've heard of boats hitting reefs on Lake Erie and passengers flying head over heals into the shallow rocks because there was too much speed and the driver didn't know where he was going. It could happen anywhere.
So if we all can be boating wise and courteous, safe boating will just falls into place. Boating is fun and what a great way to spend the spring, summer and fall.
Filed under: Uncategorized
Tags: Boating, Don Dziedzina, fishing, Illinois Outdoors
