Before taking to the waters know laws, safety precautions

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Adawn Kelsey
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  With summer officially here, there are more boats and personal watercrafts on the lakes and more people on the shores. As numbers increase, the necessity for water safety also escalates significantly, especially while on a boat, relaxing on the shore or swimming in the waters.

About 800 people die in boating-related accidents each year. About half of the deaths involve alcohol and nearly 90 percent of people who drown were not wearing life jackets or a personal floatation device at the time of the incident.

Tech. Sgt. Darrell Leatherman, 82nd Training Wing ground safety NCO in charge, said as part of the Critical Days of Summer Campaign. It is important to raise boating and swimming safety awareness. He encouraged all of Sheppard leadership to brief and spread the information throughout the base.

"According to a National Transportation Safety Board study, it takes only a third as much alcohol to impair a boater's balance, judgment and coordination in comparison to drivers of vehicles on land," the sergeant said. "Having two beers on the water can impair your abilities as much as drinking a six-pack at a backyard barbecue."

Tech. Sgt. Christopher McDonald, 82nd TRW safety inspections NCO in charge, said it is important to know the laws for boating and using PWCs before going out.

"All children under 13 years of age in all vessels under 26 feet in length, must wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved PFD if the vessel is not at anchor, made fast to the shore, or aground," he said.

Sergeant McDonald said while a person older than 13 is not required to wear a life jacket, there must be one readily available for each person on board.

"All vessels, including canoes and kayaks, must be equipped with at least one Type I, II, III or V wearable PFD for each person on board," he said. "In regards to personal watercraft, wave runners, jet ski, etcetera, each occupant must wear a life jacket. If the PWC is equipped with a cut-off or kill switch, it must be attached to the operator or operator's clothing. Inflatable life jackets are not approved for use on a PWC."

Sergeant McDonald said he advises everyone to make sure there is a plan in case of an emergency. He said it is exceptionally important to use the wingman concept and common sense while around water.

"I think it would be good practice to wear a life jacket at all times regardless of age," he said. "If a person is going to drink, taking the keys to a boat is just as important as taking the keys to their car. And lastly, practice practical safety. Be sure to watch kids around the water and make sure there is a plan in place."

For more information contact the Sheppard safety office at (940) 676-4149.