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Show Hilltop Times June 1, We 1995 are now in the '101 Critical Days of to some to .It's time .. staying accident free thought give ' Summer Boating safety everyone's responsibility water skis or other devices. An observer at least 8 years old must be on board to watch and communicate with the skier. The observer must display an international orange flag at least 12 inches square when a skier is down in the water. Q. Who has the right of way? A. Sailboats and manually powered craft usually have the right of way over motorboats. In overtaking and passing situations, the boat being passed has the right of way and the passing boat is required to stay clear. Q. What should I do if there is an accident? A. If your boat is involved in an accident, help other people involved in the accident; notify local law enforcement officers immediately; give your name, address and identification to any injured person or owner of property that is damaged; and submit a completed and signed boating accident report. Boating accident forms are available from the division of any boating ranger. Q. What do markers tell me? A. Markers give important information that will make your boating experience safe and enjoyable. They identify restricted or dangerous waters. Boaters should be familiar with all waterway markers. by Hilltop Times Staff Summer is unofficially here and boats of all shapes and sizes will be cruising the waterways. Pleasure boating has become a popular family sport. It is estimated that more than 75 million people go boating. Unfortunately, approximately 7,000 boating accidents are reported each year with nearly 1,000 fatalities. Safe boating is the responsibility of everyone. The more people know about boating, the more it will be enjoyed. The following questions and answers may help assure a safe and enjoyable boating experience. Q. What safety equipment should I have on board? A. All boats must have personal flotation devices of proper size, in serviceable condition and readily accessible for each person aboard. All motorboats must have an approved fire ex- tinguisher. All Every year, Air Force people are killed or injured needlessly in accidents during what is known as the "101 Critical Days of Summer" roughly from Memorial Day through Labor Day. In most cases, a little preparation would have prevented death or injury. As you busily plan your vacations this year, plan on making safety your top priority. closed-constructio- gasoline-powere- Bonneville Chapter Summer is just around the corner, pools are opening and families are planning water fun activities. These activities can pose a great danger for people of all ages. It is important, therefore, to learn precautions in and around the water and know what to do in case of a water emergency. According to the National Safety Council's 1994 Accident Facts, drowning is the second leading cause of death among youth. Many of these deaths could be prevented if people used caution and knew proper rescue techniques for drowning victims like cq. diopulmonary resuscitation and in at aid. Q. What is a personal watercraft? A. A personal watercraft is an inboard vessel less than 4 meters in length which is powered by a water jet pump. These boats are often called jet skis. The vessel is designed to be operated by a person positioned on, rather than within, the confines of the hull. A personal watercraft is considered a power boat and operators need to follow all rules and regulations of any power boat. all-roun- d less-than-4- 0 have a whistle or horn capable of producing a four-t- o blast of sound. Boats less than 26 feet long must have at least one paddle or oar. Boat owners ate advised to carry approved visual distress signal, flashlight, first-aikit, boarding laddei, tool kit and spare parts. six-seco- Q. What other safety tips do boaters need o know? A. Swimming from an un anchored boat can create a dangerous situation unless one person in on board to operate the boat. Don't leave a boat in a courtesy dock for longer than 15 minutes. Boat ramps are for launching only. Vehicles should be parked in designated parking areas. Weather is unpredictable. Watch for changing d Q. What does the law say about boating under the influence? A. The law prohibits a person under the influence of alcohol or drugs from operating a boat. Q. Where is wakeless speed required? A. Wakeless speed is required within 150 feet of another boat, dock, launching area, designated slow area, person, swimmer, skier, angler or fishing equipment. Q. What about water skiing? A. Boat operators must maintain a safe course with a proper lookout when towing a person on In an effort to help people become informed about water safety, the American Red Cross has published 12 Water Safety Tips that may save lives this summer. 1. s must have ventilators to remove explosive vapors from engine and fuel tank compartments. Inboard gasoline engines must be equipped with a backfire flame arrestor on the carburetor. All boats must use navigation lights while operating on waters between sunset and sunrise. Boats at anchor must display an white anchor anchored in a unless light designated mooring area Boats from 16 to feet long must wcoireir scaffelfy by American Red Cross motor-boat- d Never swim alone. Swim in super- vised areas only. 2. Know your swimming limits. Don't try to keep up with a stronger swimmer and keep an eye on weaker swimmers. 3. Never drink alcohol and swim. 4. Obey "No Diving" signs which always indicate the area is unsafe for headfirst entries. 5. Watch out for the "dangerous too tired, too cold, too far too's" from safety, too much sun, too much strenuous activity. 6. Stay out of the water when over conditions. File a float plan. Tell someone where you are going and when you will return. Learn boating safety. Information for this article was taken from "Utah Boating Laws and Rules" provided by the State of Utah. tips Si heated. 7. Don't chew gum or eat while you swim; you could easily choke. 8. Use common sense about swimming after eating. 9. Use Coast life jackets when boating and fishing. 10. Know local weather conditions and prepare for electrical storms. 11. If you come upon a person in an Guard-approve- J Z.J sf'l c r pw . f - a mm l ' m . d emergency, remember check the scene to ensure it's safe and check the victim; call 91 1 or your local emergency number, and care for the person until help arrives. iz. in tne event of a drowning: D Remove the person from the water. B Check consciousness and breathing. Check-Call-Car- If not breathing, open the airway and attempt rescue breathing. If air does not go in, give abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver) to clear the airway. Once the airway is clear, provide rescue breathing or CPR as needed. To learn more about how to take precautions this summer and help those in emergency situations contact The American Red Cross, Bonneville Chapter at 627-000- 0. |