News Release Archives - June 2009
June 15, 2009
Summer Safety Encouraged on the Water
Summer is traditionally a time when families enjoy outdoor activities by gathering with friends and relatives at a favorite recreation site. Nancy Boldt, boat and water safety coordinator for the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, says family outings and commotion go hand-in-hand, and that is why it is important to be alert and safe near water.
“Personal flotation devices are the single most important part of safety on the water,” Boldt said. “They are worn to save your life.”
North Dakota law requires all children ages 10 and younger to wear a personal flotation device while in boats of less than 27 feet in length. The law also requires all personal watercraft users to wear a life jacket, Boldt said, as well as anyone towed on skis, tubes, boards or other similar devices.
Water users should make sure to wear life jackets that are the appropriate size, and in good condition. It is also important that children wear a PFD while swimming. “It doesn't matter how good you can swim because after being in the water for a period of time kids become tired or develop cramps,” Boldt said.
Failure to wear a PFD is the main reason people lose their lives in boating accidents. The National Safe Boating Council warns boaters that most drowning victims had a life jacket available, but were not wearing it when they entered the water. It is difficult to put a life jacket on once you are already in the water, Boldt said.
When purchasing a PFD, Boldt suggests considering the most prevalent water activity. Water skiers and tubers should wear a life jacket with four nylon straps rather than one with a zipper, because straps are stronger than zippers upon impact with water. Anglers or persons paddling a canoe should opt for a PFD that is comfortable enough to wear for an entire outing.
Water skiers and tubers are reminded it takes three to ski and tube. When a person is towed on water skis or a similar device, an observer other than the operator is required on the vessel.
“Know what is below the water’s surface, especially near shore,” Boldt said. “Larger objects can be hidden, potentially leading to a significant injury.”
It is important for swimmers to know the depth, as serious injuries can occur from diving into water. “To be safe, never dive into the lake because you never know what is below the surface,” Boldt said.
North Dakota boaters also are reminded that marine VHF radios are an important part of boat safety that should not be improperly used by operators. Boldt said they are intended for boat operators who are in distress and facing an emergency situation.
Regulations to help ensure safe boating this summer are found in the 2008-10 North Dakota Fishing Guide. A more comprehensive listing is available in the 2008-10 North Dakota Boat and Water Safety Guide.
To learn more about boating take the official Game and Fish boating course, Boat North Dakota. This free, home-study course provides the fundamentals of safe boating for beginners and is a useful refresher for experienced boaters -- some insurance companies offer a premium discount to course graduates. To order Boat North Dakota contact the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, 100 N. Bismarck Expressway, Bismarck, ND 58501-5095, call 701-328-6312, or email ndgf@nd.gov.
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