PINELLAS COUNTY - With most of the country gripped in a heat wave, the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary reminds boaters of a few tips to stay safe while staying cool:
1. Always wear a life jacket when boating or swimming: Life jackets float - you don't. Although it's tempting to "go jacketless," statistics indicate that the decision to do so can be deadly: Of the total water and boating fatalities, more than 80 percent of the victims were not wearing a life jacket. Moreover, on federal waters, and in many states, children under a certain age must wear a life jacket while a vessel is underway or the operator can face a fine.
2. Stay well hydrated and wear sunscreen. Approximately 30 minutes before you leave for your day in the sun, be sure to consume two to three glasses of water and apply sunscreen with a SPF of at least 15. Maintain hydration by continuing to drink four to eight ounces every 30 to 60 minutes, and re-apply sunscreen every two hours or as needed.
3. Limit your caffeine and alcohol intake. Both alcohol and caffeine can dehydrate the body, making it more susceptible to heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which is often deadly. If you do drink alcohol or caffeine, take in an additional 8 ounces of water for every 8 ounces of alcohol or caffeinated beverage you consume. In addition, alcohol causes a decreased sense of balance and depth perception, factors which are necessary for the safe operation of a vessel, especially in crowded boat launch ramps and marinas. When your balance and depth perception are impaired, studies indicate that you are 10 times more likely to fall overboard.
4. Carry a first-aid kit to the beach and on board the boat. The motto of the U.S. Coast Guard is Semper Paratus, which means always prepared. Be sure to carry the essentials (bandages, gauze, tape, etc.), including rubber gloves, to help the person giving aid avoid blood borne pathogens. Bring along a basic first aid book and be familiar with procedures to initiate the EMS in the area where you're boating or swimming.
5. Avoid "Teak Surfing" and other dangerous practices. Teak surfing, the practice of holding onto the swim platform of an inboard or inboard/outboard boat while being dragged slowly though the water, is extremely dangerous for two reasons: You are exposed to the odorless, colorless carbon monoxide gases, which can cause you to loose consciousness and drown; and you run the risk of loosing your grip and getting sucked into the boat's propeller. Also, avoid swimming underneath houseboats, where carbon monoxide fumes can accumulate, not only from the boat's engines but from generators.
The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is the uniformed, volunteer component of Team Coast Guard that assist the active duty Coast Guard in all of its varied missions except for military and direct law enforcement. These men and women can be found on the nation's waterways, in the air, in classrooms and on the dock, performing Maritime Domain Awareness patrols, safety patrols, vessel safety checks and public education.
U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Flotilla 72, presents boating Skills and Seamanship Programs, each Tuesday night, 7:30 to 9:30 at 1300 Beach Drive S.E., St. Petersburg. Call 823-3753.
