Safe Fishing Tips
Follow these tips to enjoy a safe fishing experience:
- Use caution when baiting and removing hooks.
- If using a boat to fish, wear your life jacket and make sure that your passengers wear theirs, too.
- Inspect waterfronts daily – the natural environment is subject to change without notice.
- Don’t fish in areas where it is not permitted. These areas have been declared "off limits" to fishing to protect wildlife, vegetation, or for your safety. When choosing a site for fishing, always consider safety factors. Because fishing is practiced in a variety of environments, evaluate factors specific to safety in each environment.
- Weather is always a factor. Set up a weather committee or rotate weather forecasting responsibilities.
- Bring along extra safety items such as water, flashlights, maps, and a cellphone or radio.
- Always wear footgear appropriate to the conditions.
- Stay dry, warm, and protected from the elements.Wear a waterproof sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 15.Wear thin layers of clothing, and progress outward to include water and wind protection as the final layer.
- Use appropriate insect protection measures, including dressing properly and using repellents.
- Keep fishing knives sharp and cover the blade when not in use.
- Handle fish carefully.
- Use safety glasses (sunglasses will do) at all times when casting.
REAR ADMIRAL CROWLEY LETTER TO GREAT LAKES BOATERS (USCG)
This boating season, "Boat Responsibly"
To the Great Lakes boating community:
This year, May 17th marks the 50th Anniversary of National Safe Boating Week, a week-long observance designed to raise awareness of safe boating practices among power and sail boaters, paddlers and anglers. In recognition of this important week, I want to share a few of my thoughts about how boaters can "Boat Responsibly" and help make the 2008 boating season safe for themselves, their families and those who share our waterways.
The Great Lakes region is home to more registered recreational boats than any other part of the country. Within the region's eight states, there are approximately 4.6 million registered boats, 800,000 in our 86 shoreline counties, alone. In addition, there are about another 1.2 million registered boats within the Province of Ontario.
Despite the number of boats, the good news is that recreational boating on the Great Lakes is a very safe activity. Annual recreational boating statistics support this positive note. And it's the U.S. Coast Guard's responsibility, as well as that of our state and local boating safety partners, to ensure the continued safety of all waterways users. It's a big job, to be sure, but one made far easier by boaters who choose to "Boat Responsibly."
So, what are some of the ways boaters can "Boat Responsibly" this year?
First, before heading out on the water, brush up on boating safety regulations, as well as the Rules of the Road. If there are no traditional boating classes being offered in the area, explore free basic boating courses available online. Make a visit to the local library to check-out books on boating and boat handling. These can be a great refresher.
Next, time should be set aside to inspect the boat, top to bottom, stem to stern. Are the lifejackets in good condition? Are visual distress signals on board? Where are all the controls? Where is the emergency shut-off valve for the fuel supply? As an added measure of safety, a free Vessel Safety Check (VSC) is an excellent way to get reacquainted with a vessel and its gear following a seasonal lay-up. During a VSC, an examiner from the Coast Guard Auxiliary or local U.S. Power Squadron goes over a check-list of safety equipment required under federal and state law. The boater accompanies and assists the examiner, laying hands on every item indicated on the check-list. If there are any deficiencies, there is no penalty. The boater merely corrects whatever is wrong before being issued a VSC sticker and getting underway. To find out more about the VSC program or locate a local VSC examiner, visit the web at: http://www.vesselsafetycheck.org/.
Once a boater launches for the first time in a season, it's time for a shake-down cruise. Unlike boating in warmer climates, Great Lakes boaters are limited to a three to five month season. During the off-season, boaters' skills get rusty. Although one may not forget how to drive a boat, proficiency is degraded until there's an opportunity to exercise those skills again.
Upon launching for the first time, a boater should take it slowly. Rediscover the handling characteristics of the vessel and how it reacts to changing sea conditions. How quickly does the vessel react when changing course? How quickly does the vessel come about, should someone fall over board? These are things which must be exercised each and every season to ensure one is truly in command of their vessel.
Practice docking. It sounds simple. However, docking a vessel is, perhaps, one of the most difficult evolutions one will ever experience while boating. Docking occurs in a relatively confined area and is influenced by the handling characteristics of the vessel, the direction of the wind, existing current, and the tidal action created by other vessels in the vicinity. Again, take it slowly. There is no prize for docking quickly. The key is to dock the vessel as safely as possible.
Another preventive measure boaters can take is ensuring they are sober when operating a vessel. Drinking has long been a part of the boating culture. Vessel names such as "Last Call," "Happy Hour," "High Ball," "Booze Cruise" are still common and reinforce an acceptance of this cultural behavior. Unlike driving an automobile, drinking and boating is not illegal. However, operating a vessel under the influence is illegal. Each year, hundreds of boating accidents result in serious injury and death, due to impairment by alcohol. Simply don't drink if you are operating a vessel. And remember, boating is a team sport - a conscientious mariner watches out for those aboard their vessel, as well.
The Coast Guard, as well as our marine patrol partners, are often criticized for cracking down on those who boat under the influence. In these boaters' minds, we're taking the fun out of the sport. Owners of waterfront establishments sometimes complain too, fearful business will be driven away. Nothing could be further from the truth. Our job is to ensure safety, period. Boaters under the influence are not safe. They present a risk to everyone on the water and our job is to eliminate that risk.
Lastly, boaters can help themselves by helping us protect our Nation through America's Waterways Watch (AWW). Managed by the Coast Guard Auxiliary, and in partnership with the U.S. Power Squadrons and state boating programs, AWW is similar to a neighborhood watch program. Since the Coast Guard and local law enforcement cannot be everywhere, we rely on the boating public to report any activity on the water that they feel may be suspicious or illegal.
During this 50th National Safe Boating Week local Coast Guard units and Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotillas will be hosting boating safety open house events. Many of these events are listed on the web at: http://www.safeboatingcampaign.com/events/events.htm. The Coast Guard is committed to making the Great Lakes as safe as possible for the boating public. I ask the boating public to share that commitment by pledging, now and always, to "Boat Responsibly."
Sincerely,
JOHN E. CROWLEY, JR.
Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard
Commander, Ninth Coast Guard District
"Wear It, Ohio!" emphasizes the proper use of life jackets (ODNR)
COLUMBUS, OH - In an effort to better educate the state's recreational boaters about the importance of wearing life jackets, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Watercraft today announced its "Wear It, Ohio!" campaign.
The eight-week campaign kicks off May 17 in connection with National Safe Boating Week.
"Our goal is to conduct an awareness campaign that will increase the voluntary wearing of life jackets by adults in open motorboats on these four inland lakes," said Emily King, manager of the division's Public Information and Education Section.
Wear It, Ohio! invites boaters to visit with Division of Watercraft staff and volunteers at selected boat ramps on the four targeted lakes for a chance to answer boating safety education questions and win promotional prizes.
The campaign also features a life jacket loaner program. Boaters age 18 and older, who sign a life jacket wear pledge card and follow its rules, will receive a new inflatable life jacket for use this summer. The pledge promises that the life jacket be returned to the division by October 31.
While most adults comply with state law that requires lifejackets for those riding jet-propelled personal watercraft or those being towed by a boat, fewer than one in seven adult Ohio boaters voluntarily wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket while riding in a boat, according to observations made by state watercraft officers. Wear it, Ohio! aims at changing attitudes toward life jackets.
Wear It, Ohio! was developed in partnership with the National Safe Boating Council. The council reports approximately 90 percent of all boating-related fatalities result from drowning and that 70 percent of these drowning victims were not properly wearing an approved life jacket or other personal flotation device. In Ohio, 14 persons died last year in boating-related incidents. Twelve of those 14 victims were not wearing life jackets.
Additional information about the campaign is available at ohiodnr.com
National Safe Kids Week: Make Your Kids Wear Life Jackets
The U. S. Coast Guard reminds parents that their children should always wear a life jacket while boating.
“National SAFE KIDS Week is a perfect time to remember the importance of life jackets,” said the Coast Guard’s Director of Operations Policy, Rear Admiral J.W. Underwood. “It is the parent’s responsibility to keep their children safe when on the water and insisting on wearing life jackets is one of the best ways to do that.
“Just like you make your kids wear bike helmets, make them wear life jackets.”
Many adults believe themselves capable of diving into the water to rescue a child who falls overboard. This is a dangerous misconception. Adults may not notice a child falling overboard right away. Children who fall in may not surface immediately. It can be difficult to locate a child in the water—especially when the vessel is in motion.
Life jackets could prevent approximately two-thirds of all boating-related drownings of children ages 14 and under. In fact, in most states, children under 13 must wear life jackets. It’s the law.
According to the National SAFE KIDS Campaign, drowning remains second only to motor vehicle accidents as the leading cause of unintentional injury-related death among children ages 1 to 14. Furthermore, children are much more likely to practice safe habits when they experience similar behavior by parents and caregivers. “We have done research that indicates children whose parents wear life jackets around water are more likely to wear one themselves,” says Jen Medearis Costello, program manager at the National SAFE KIDS Campaign. “Therefore we recommend that parents not only actively supervise their children around water, but also demonstrate safe behavior—including wearing life jackets.”
The Coast Guard and National SAFE KIDS Campaign strongly recommend adults always wear life jackets as well – not only to keep themselves safe, but to demonstrate safe behavior for their children.
National SAFE KIDS Week runs through May 4.
The U.S. Coast Guard is asking all boat owners and operators to help reduce fatalities, injuries, property damage, and healthcare costs related to recreational boating accidents by taking personal responsibility for their own safety and the safety of their passengers. Essential steps include always wearing a life jacket and requiring passengers to do the same; never boating under the influence; completing a boating safety course; and getting a free vessel safety check annually from local U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or United States Power Squadrons® vessel examiners. The U.S. Coast Guard reminds all boaters, "You're in Command. Boat Responsibly!”
For more information on boating responsibly, go to www.USCGboating.org or the U.S. Coast Guard Infoline at 1-800-368-5647.
Story Provided By VermilionOhioNews.com
Spring Boating Tips (VON)
Warm days after a long winter are alluring to everyone who enjoys the outdoors, especially boaters. Whether taking advantage of early season fishing, navigating fast-moving streams pumped by spring rains or water releases, sailing at the will of good spring winds, or just testing out the boat after a long hibernation, many boaters find their way to the water this time of year.
While the air warms quickly, water temperatures stay colder longer. If a boater is unprepared for an accident this time of year, events that might be minor incidents in warmer weather can quickly turn to tragedy.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Watercraft offers the following safety tips to keep that spring boat outing safe and enjoyable:
Prepare your boat for the water again. Plan ahead to check out the condition of your boat and its equipment before you decide to go boating. Are your decals current? Are the life jackets still in good condition? Is the motor ready to run?
Check the latest weather forecast and keep an eye to the sky. Prepare for the possibility of encountering bad weather on every boat outing. Strong winds and waves or high fast-moving water brought on by bad weather increase the risks of a boater ending up in the water.
File a float plan. Tell family or a trusted friend the general area of the waterway you plan to use, whom you are taking with you, when you are leaving, and when you plan to return. Include information about your vehicle, boat, and watercraft registration number. Remember to let that person know when you have returned safely.
Dress for the water temperature, not the air temperature. While the days may be warm and sunny, water temperatures stay cooler longer. One of the major causes of boating fatalities is hypothermia, the rapid reduction of body temperature, which occurs when boaters fall into cold water. Consider wearing a wetsuit under your layers or a U.S. Coast Guard-approved "float coat" with built in flotation on top of your layers.
Do not overload a boat. An overloaded boat sits lower in the water, which increases the chances of swamping or capsizing by waves. Do not exceed the carrying capacity in passengers or total gear. Keep as much weight as possible in the middle of the boat. To keep the boat riding high in the water, limit the load to only essential items.
Always wear a life jacket. A life jacket keeps a person afloat even after the shock of falling into frigid water. Additionally, life jackets provide excellent insulation against cold, wind and rain. Ohio law requires that all watercraft be equipped with a Coast Guard-approved, wearable lifejacket for each person on board. Lifejackets must also be worn at all times by children under 10 years of age on boats less than 18 feet.
Keep a proper lookout. Not heeding this basic navigation rule is a leading cause of accidents. Always be aware of your surroundings before changing course or speed.
Boat sober. Alcoholic beverages and boating do not mix. Alcohol affects balance, vision, judgement, and coordination -- all factors of safe boating. Research has shown that when combined with boating stressors such as sun, wind, noise, vibration and motion, alcohol can impair a person on the water much faster than on land. It is illegal to operate a watercraft under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Operate at a safe speed -- another basic navigation rule that can cause problems when ignored. Boats don't have brakes, so always operate your boat at a speed at which you are sure you can avoid a collision.
Inland sheriff's office gets 33-foot boat (Morning Journal)
Editors note: Below is a link to an article about the new patrol boat that will be used to patrol the Canadian/US border throughout Lake Erie. Many boaters have expressed concern about aditional patrols in the Vermilion River, this boat will not be policing the river but be used exclusily by the Dept of Homeland Security for border protection. Only those boaters crossing back from Canada should take note.
"ELYRIA -- The Lorain County Sheriff's Office is getting its own boat, though the department's jurisdiction does not include areas bordering Lake Erie. The 33-foot boat will be docked in the Erie County portion of Vermilion, according to a dock lease with the Vermilion Port Authority approved yesterday by the Lorain County commissioners. The boat was obtained through an Ohio Department of Homeland Security grant, according to Homeland Security spokeswoman Lindsey Wayt. Two other boats are going to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Water Craft, Wayt said. The department got the boat, ''To increase law enforcement presence in keeping with the Northern Border Initiative, to secure Ohio's international border with Canada,'' Wayt said"
Full article here at MorningJournal.com
Security summit to be held in January (TradeOnlyToday.com)
From Soundings Magazine, TradeOnlyToday:
"The Department of Homeland Security is slated to host a national vessel security summit at the Cleveland Boat and Waterfront Living Expo in January. The summit will be held on Jan.16, at the International Exposition Center in Cleveland. The event is expected to be Webcast. The summit is a follow-up to the National Small Vessel Security Summit held earlier this year, which brought together nearly 300 small vessel maritime stakeholders and top federal, state and local government officials to discuss the development of security measures."
Entire Article here @ Tradeonlytoday.com