| Safe Boating Tips Take a boating safety class offered by Wildlife and Parks, US Power Squadrons or US Coast Guard Auxiliary. Know your boat's limit and don't exceed it. A safe boat is a well-equipped boat. Always carry the necessary safety gear Keep life jackets visible and accessible . . . and never make someone feel uncomfortable if they choose to wear a life jacket. Learn "the rules of the road" . . . and obey them! Knowing how to swim just makes good sense if you spend time on the water. If you don't know how, LEARN. However, even good swimmers do not always survive the shock or panic of sudden immersion in cold water. Remember, while a drink or two can relax you and make your day more enjoyable, they may also slow your reaction time, reduce your coordination and increase your susceptibility to hypothermia. Don't overdo your boating fun. In 3 hours of normal boating, the noise, motion, sun wind and glare can frequently double an individual's reaction time. |
| Alcohol Facts Moderation and common sense should dictate how much alcohol is consumed on your boat. Limit your consumption to one drink. Approximately one-half of all accidents are Alcohol related. Be a Sober Skipper.The helmsman should not drink. A responsible boat owner will never allow a person under the influence to operate the boat. Alcohol affects your judgement. It makes you think you can function better than when you are sober. But in fact, alcohol slows your reaction time considerably. Hard liquor may hit a little harder or faster than beer or wine - especially if it is not diluted . . . but too much beer or wine can be just as bad as too much liquor. |
| When A Boating Accident Occurs . . . Help other people involved in the accident. Notify local law enforcement officers immediately by the quickest means of communication available. Give your name, address, and identification to any injured person or owner of property that is damaged in the accident. You must notify Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks within 48 hours if the accident involves a death, treatable injury, or disappearance of person(s). Boat operators whose vessels have been involved in accidents with property damage greater than $500 shall report the accident to Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks within 5 days of its occurrence. |
| --Information Source: Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks |
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| Have Fun and Boat Safely!! |
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