SUMMERTIME BOATING SAFETY ON THE MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST

Posted by Parents & Kids Guest Writer | Jun 19, 2023

As the temperatures warm on the coast, the call to the water will get louder. 

Here are some water vessel safety tips to improve the likelihood of everyone having a happy, safe summer:

Use Life Jackets

The United States Coast Guard found in 2020 that 75-percent of water fatalities are from drowning, with 86-percent of those involving persons not wearing a life jacket. Sea Tow Foundation offers various boating support services, as well as a life jacket loaner program that allows visitors to use life jackets for free while out boating for the day. Three coast locations are ready to serve you and your family through Sea Tow South Mississippi. Find these free-to-use life jackets at the Biloxi Small Craft Harbor; Point Cadet Marina; and Mary Walker Marina.

“You always want to make sure your child’s life jacket is Coast Guard approved,” explained Gail Kulp, Sea Tow Foundation Executive Director. She advises that some life jackets “are geared more towards calm water canoeing or fishing from a pontoon boat, while others are suited for rougher water activities like water skiing.” Therefore, be sure to check the life jacket rating label.

“Check the size on the label,” Kulp said. “Put it on to ensure a right fit then to test it out. Once it’s on snugly, pull up on the shoulders of the jacket and if it rises above your child’s chin, it’s too big. You either need to tighten the straps or get the next size down.”

Swim Safely While Boating

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends swim lessons as a layer of protection to prevent water-related accidents. These lessons can begin as early as age one. The AAP states that by their fourth birthday, most children are ready to learn to swim.

“Make sure the boat is not in a channel where other boats need to get by, and don’t stop near a dam or under a bridge,” Kulp said, of stopping for a swim while out boating. “Turn off the engine and put the anchor down to make sure you don’t drift. Make sure the kids know how to get back in the boat using the boarding ladder or swim platform, and not by stepping onto the engine or near the propeller.”

Avoid Alcohol Use

The Coast Guard found the leading contributing factor to boating accidents was alcohol. The person driving the boat – as is the case with any motorized vehicle – should refrain from alcohol, or any other intoxicating substances that could cloud judgment and response times.

Create a Float Plan

Float plans should be designed by the operator of any water vessel, including kayaks, stand-up paddlers, power boats, and canoes, according to the Coast Guard. These should be completed and reviewed for each voyage. Some information to be included in a float plan are the radio call sign; visual distress signals; vehicle occupants; identifying information of the vehicle and operator’s information; among other things. A sample float plan can be found at Floatplancentral.cgaux.org/download/USCGFloatPlan.pdf

Everyone should have a designated seat in the vessel as well, for safety during movement. Kulp also recommends having a tubing lookout when pulling kids or adults behind the vessel in inflatable tubes. This person monitors for the movement of other boats, and watches the tubing person’s positioning to minimize risk of injury.

Learn CPR and Basic First Aid

Seconds matter with water emergencies. The American Red Cross advises people to know signs of distress. To find first aid and cpr classes near you, visit Redcross.org/local/mississippi/take-a-class

Take a Boating Safety Course

77-percent of fatalities involve captains without any boat safety training from a nationally approved boating safety education course. Some basic tips about safety that will make a difference include: Storing away loose and sharp items while the vessel is in motion, and making sure someone is watching the children while the boat is being docked. Sea tow offers a “First Mate Checklist,” to make safety fun for kids – and a “Top 10 Boating Safety Checklist” at Boatingsafety.com/page/resources

Pack for the Experience

Pack snacks; bags for wet clothes; sunglasses; towels; and blankets. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends use of spf 30 sunscreen, to reduce risk of developing skin cancer. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends wearing lightweight clothing, and large brimmed hats, to minimize risk of sun damage.

As temperatures rise and daylight hours increase, plan ahead for a safe and enjoyable time of fun in the sun on our Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Alicia Stevens, a resident of Pearl River County, is a freelance writer, wife and mother of two who enjoys traveling with her family and friends.

Summertime Boating Safety on the Mississippi Gulf Coast - Parents & Kids (parentsandkids.com)