Boating Safety Tips The U. S. Coast Guard and Ohio Division of Watercraft's boating safety mission is to minimize the loss of life, property damage and environmental impact associated with the use of recreational boats. The best way to do this is through preventive means, to maximize safe use and enjoyment of our waterways. Recreational boating accidents are the second leading cause of transportation-related fatalities after automobile accidents. Each year, approximately 800 people die in recreation boating accidents. The Coast Guard, Ohio Division of Watercraft, Coast Guard Auxiliary and U.S. Power Squadrons, along with local agencies are committed to ensuring the continued safe use and enjoyment of our waters. It is the Coast Guard's goal to help boaters have a safe and enjoyable day boating. The following are six steps for safe boating: Wear life jackets (Personal Flotation Devices, PFDs) - Drowning is the leading cause of death in boating accidents. In 1998, 18 people died in recreational boating accidents on the Great Lakes, 814 died nation wide. Don't drink and boat - Alcohol contributes to more than 50% of boating accidents and 22% of boating fatalities. Check the weather - Check TV, radio and /or web page weather reports or call the National Weather Service. Weather information is available on marine band radios. Be aware of changes in the sky, wind and water. Head to shore when weather starts to turn bad. File a float plan - Before you go out leave information about your trip with a family member or friend who is staying on shore. Include all information that would help rescuers in case of an emergency; how many people on board, where you are going, how long you will be out and a description of your boat. Do not file float plans with the Coast Guard. Have a marine band radio - The Coast Guard, other rescue agencies and other boaters monitor marine band radios the increases the number of people who can respond. The radios are better than cellular phones because their signals can be of assistance locating a person in distress. Take a boating safety course - Approximately 90% of boating deaths occur on boats where the operator had no formal boating safety instruction. The Coast Guard recommends that all boaters take a safety class and refresher every five years. Boating Safety Course Line: 1-800-336-2628. Boating Safety Hotline: 1-800-368-5647. Boat smart from the start! Got a question about boating safety? Post your question in one of our Boating Forums! Got a boating safety tip to share with others? Share it in one of our Boating Forums or submit an article about it and have it published right here on BOATOhio.com! Back to the top... Back to the Boating Safety Index...