AndAlusiA MArine’s siMple Keys to A sAfe suMMer

As Spring gives way to summer we anglers find ourselves sharing the waterways with more and more pleasure boaters and personal watercraft. School is out and many families make their way to the water for skiing, tubing, and joy riding. As the days become longer and our waterways become more crowded being mindful of a few simple safety rules can ensure everyone has an enjoyable outing free from harm-And citations!

1.Wear your kill switch! On April 1, 2021 a federal law took effect mandating the use of an emergency engine shut off switch by the operator of any vessel under 26’ in length while the vessel is on plane. These devices are normally referred to as “kill switches” in the boating world and could most likely save more lives every year than any other marine device-aside from life jackets. The kill switch is usually connected to the boat’s driver by a red coiled cord with a clip on the end. The clip is attached to some portion of the driver’s clothing or body and the other end is attached to the emergency kill switch device located at the boat’s key switch. If the driver falls overboard or is knocked away from the helm the lanyard tugs on the switch and the engine is shut off. There is NO EXCUSE for not utilizing this simple safety feature at all times regardless of the legal implications.

2.Use your Navigation Lights! During summer we inevitably find ourselves milking the days for all their worth and returning to dock at or after sunset. The US Coast Guard requires vessels under 39.4’ in length to display red and green forward facing navigation lights spanning 112.5 degrees and a 360 degree white light. Details further explaining these light requirements can be found on the US Coast Guard website and through any simple Google search. Failure to properly display these night time navigation lights probably contributes to more boat accidents than any

By Capt. Josh Anderson

other single cause. It is imperative that before hauling the boat to the lake, river, or bay this summer you ensure that your navigation lights work as they should regardless of whether you plan to be out after dark or not.

3.Wear your life jacket! If there’s one rule related to boating that almost everyone knows it’s the requirement for everyone on board to have a properly sized life jacket. For some reason though; more boating citations are written each summer for not following this rule than any other. Without a doubt; more lives could be saved every year by boaters WEARING their life vests than any other simple act. We all feel like we could tread water or swim well enough to save ourselves in the event we fall overboard but we fail to take into account the shock of hitting the water unexpectedly while quite likely disoriented. (the way we would be in the event of a boat accident) Lots of companies now offer inflatable life vests that are much more comfortable and less confining to wear. These vests inflate automatically when submerged in water. To be noted though, these vests ONLY count as life preservers by law when being worn. Regardless of what style you choose, WEAR YOUR LIFE JACKET!

4.Use common courtesy! Summer time waterways are a great place to be. The memories that can be made boating, skiing, and tubing are amazing and unforgettable. With more and more people enjoying the water each year though; we all would be well served to exercise more patience and common courtesy for our fellow boaters. Being mindful of others while loading and unloading at boat ramps, watching for kayakers and paddle boarders, and remembering that we’re responsible for the effects of our boat wake are all easy ways we can help ensure that we and everyone around us has a safe and enjoyable summer on the water!

Let’s grow with Florida together.