Latest news with #boatingSafety
CBS News
02-07-2025
- CBS News
Operation Dry Water in effect this Fourth of July weekend, with impaired boaters on notice
Why is the Fourth of July celebrated by lighting fireworks? Why is the Fourth of July celebrated by lighting fireworks? Why is the Fourth of July celebrated by lighting fireworks? State officials are reminding Minnesota boaters to drive sober this Fourth of July, or spend the holiday weekend in jail. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says as part of the nationwide Operation Dry Water campaign, its conservation officers and law enforcement partners will be cruising state lakes and rivers this weekend on the lookout for impaired boaters. Lt. Eric Sullivan, supervisor of the DNR Enforcement Division's Marine Unit, says there's a "zero tolerance" policy for boat drivers who hit the water with a buzz from drugs, alcohol or both. "People who boat under the influence put themselves and everyone else on the water in danger," Sullivan said. "It's a selfish decision that carries with it potentially disastrous consequences." According to the DNR, Minnesota is fourth in the nation for the number of motorized boats, with more than 613,000 registered. That number balloons to more than 822,000 when including other watercraft like canoes and kayaks. The DNR says about 30% of Minnesota boating accidents involve alcohol. Just like driving, the legal limit for boating while impaired is at .08. WCCO "Anyone convicted of operating under the influence – whether they're operating a boat, motor vehicle, or recreational vehicle – loses their privilege to operate those machines," said a DNR spokesperson. State law also requires kids younger than 10 to wear life jackets on boats at all times, and at least one life jacket must be on board for each passenger, including those on paddle boards and kayaks. Experts say 90% of boating fatality victims weren't wearing one. "Oftentimes, boating accidents turn into fatalities because the people who fell overboard weren't wearing a life jacket," said a DNR spokesperson. Operation Dry Water runs from Friday through Monday. More boat safety information can be found on the Minnesota DNR's website. On Tuesday, a new state law went into effect requiring people between the ages of 12 and 21 to have a valid operator's permit to drive a boat, even if it's rented. That law will eventually expand to include anyone younger than 41. NOTE: The original airdate of the video attached to this article is July 1, 2025. , and contributed to this report.
RNZ News
18-06-2025
- Climate
- RNZ News
Government looking at making lifejackets compulsory
Girl in canoe wearing lifejacket. Photo: 123RF The Associate Transport Minister says he's willing to look into what advocates call a common sense approach to lifejacket wearing. A coroner has suggested a consistent, nationwide law - making it compulsory for people to wear lifejackets on small vessels. It's a move Water Safety NZ says would save lives. It comes after findings a mother and her young son would have had better chances of surviving a capsizing, if they been wearing them. The pair were on a scalloping trip in Auckland's Manukau Harbour when the boat skippered by the woman's partner was hit by a wave and overturned, leaving them and two friends onboard clinging to the hull for hours. It was November 2022, and while the two friends swam for more than two hours to shore for help, the trio briefly found safety on a sandbar before falling into deep water again. None of them were wearing lifejackets or had cellphones within reach when the boat flipped. Tragically, Gemma Ferregel and her 10-year-old son Ryder drowned, and her partner Kevin McQuire treaded water until he was rescued. Associate Transport Minister James Meager told Morning Report he'll ask officials to look at a members bill proposed by fellow MP Cameron Brewer making lifejackets compulsory for under 16s, and see if it can be applied across the country. "Traditionally, the waterways have been controlled by the local harbourmasters and councils, and they get to set variations on rules depending on their local situation," he said. "But, a consistent rule across the country, if there's appetite for it, if it demonstrates that there would be real safety benefits, it's something we could look at." Associate Transport Minister James Meager. Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone Meager said people needed to make the right decisions while out on the water. "Maritime New Zealand invests quite a significant amount of money into boat safety education campaigns, and just making sure that, when we're out on the water, we always wear lifejackets, we have waterproof ways of calling for help, we check the forecast - those simple things can really improve our boat safety record." "But, in terms of a nationally consistent rule, we're going to be getting there with Cameron Brewer's bill, and it's certainly something that I will ask officials to look at and see whether we can use his bill as a way to make that consistent across the country." Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
BBC News
27-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
Boat owners told to keep vessels seaworthy after busy holiday
Boat owners in Cornwall have been told to make sure their vessels are seaworthy after a busy bank holiday for Coastguard said staff were involved in eight lifeboat taskings on Monday, seven coastguard team taskings and two incidents where a helicopter was service said boat owners needed to learn their call signs and ensure their vessels were safe before putting them in the Dave Henry said vessels that were out of the water for a period of time were more likely to breakdown and need rescuing. 'Second time out' Mr Henry said it was a "quite a busy day" for the said: "Generally, from a safety point of view, vehicles are starting to go back on the water. "What we're looking at is that people are making sure their vessels are seaworthy. "We tend to find it's the second time people go out that they break down, not the first. "I think it's to do with filters and fuel, so, if the vessels not serviced, it gives up on the second go, when people have more confidence, which is always unfortunate." Mr Henry asked boat owners to make sure they knew their vessel's call sign as well as its name. He said: "If we've got a call sign, we can identify it and, if something further happens, at least we have details and we can chase it back through emergency contacts. "I'm sure there are a lot of vessels called Herring Gull, or something along those lines, so further details are always useful to us so we can chase it up if we can't get hold of you."
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Yahoo
What's your float plan for Memorial Day weekend? TN agencies recommend these safety tips
The long-awaited, three-day holiday weekend held each year in May marks an unofficial start to summer and fun on the water for many. For others, Memorial Day serves as a stark reminder of the importance of boating safety. Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency officials say four incidents have resulted in five fatalities in 2025, one of which involved a paddle craft. More: Missing 12-year-old Clarksville boy's body found in Red River after days-long search One fatality was reported over the Memorial Day holiday weekend in 2024. "We want to encourage everyone to always boat responsibly," TWRA Boating and Law Enforcement Division Lt. Col. Matt Majors said in a release. "Our waterways are enjoyed by all types of vessels, both small and large. Please maintain a proper lookout at all times and ensure alcohol and drugs are not part of your float plan." Tennessee offers boating enthusiasts several opportunities to enjoy its resources throughout the Volunteer State, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency announced in a release. In participation with the 2025 National Safe Boating Week, the agency is encouraging all boaters to brush up on boating safety skills now ahead of the summer boating season. National Safe Boating Week is held the week before Memorial Day weekend and serves as the annual kick-off for the Safe Boating Campaign, a global awareness effort that encourages responsible boating. According to the release, boating partners across the United States and Canada, including the TWRA and other local partner organizations, have teamed up to emphasize safe boating practices like wearing life jackets and educate the boating community on options that are lightweight and comfortable. The Nashville Office of Emergency Management and Nashville Fire Department say they want everyone to be safe over the holiday weekend and prioritize boating safety. "Whether you're hitting the road, spending time on our Metro Nashville Davidson County waterways, or gathering with family and friends, it's essential to stay mindful of safety," Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County Community Services Manager and Public Information Officer Joseph Pleasant said in a release. "For those who plan to enjoy the beautiful waterways this weekend, boating safety is a top priority. Always wear a life jacket and ensure that all passengers do the same." Before hitting the water, officials encourage everyone to create a float plan. Here are some TWRA recommended safety tips for boaters: Boating safety courses offer valuable knowledge and on-water experience with many options for novice to experienced boaters. For more about TWRA boating safety education, visit Schedule a free vessel safety check with local U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or U.S. Power Squadrons to make sure all essential equipment is present, working and in good condition. Always let someone on shore know the trip itinerary, including operator and passenger information, boat type and registration and communication equipment on board. Ensure everyone on board wears a life jacket every time. A stowed life jacket is no use in an emergency. Use an engine cut-off device, or engine cut-off switch, to stop the boat's engine if the operator unexpectedly falls overboard. Always check the forecast before departing on the water and frequently during the excursion. Nearly a quarter of all reported boating accidents last year were caused by operator inattention or improper lookout. Be familiar with the area, local boating speed zones and always travel at a safe speed. Don't drink and drive, a boat that is. A BUI, or boating under the influence, is involved in one-third of all recreational boating fatalities. Always designate a sober skipper. Stay in touch with others by having more than one communication device that works when wet. VHF radios, emergency locator beacons, satellite phones and cell phones can all be important devices in an emergency. Katie Nixon can be reached at knixon@ This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Tennesseans hit the water Memorial Day, agencies urge boater safety
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Keeping yourself, others safe this Memorial Day weekend
AUSTIN (KXAN) — Memorial Day weekend is here, and local first responders have issued safety reminders. KXAN's Avery Travis and Will DuPree sat down with representatives from Lake Travis Fire Rescue (LTFR) and the Travis County Sheriff's Office (TCSO) to talk about safety tips to keep in mind this weekend. TCSO urged lake safety and sober driving ahead of Memorial Day weekend. According to the sheriff's office, deputies will be patrolling roadways throughout the county, as well as additional deputies on patrol in the Lake Travis area. RELATED | APD to increase downtown, lake patrols over Memorial Day Weekend Deputies will be on the lookout for intoxicated drivers, reckless driving and street racers. 'Please be mindful and alert for deputies working in the area and do not operate a boat while intoxicated,' TCSO said. 'Safe driving speeds should be observed when traveling on the lake and while towing tubes, skiers and wakeboarders.' The sheriff's office said lake levels in the county were low due to drought conditions, and boaters should be aware of hidden dangers, such as trees and debris. LTFR said it typically responds to dehydration calls and accidents on the lake, usually after a person dove into the lake and came out with a major head or neck injury. Boating safety tips Wear a life jacket Do not dive into the lake headfirst No drinking and boating Stay hydrated Be aware of carbon monoxide with idling boats Cooking safety tips Never leave your grill unattended Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from the grill Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
