American Security Today May 2017 Digital Magazine American Security Today May 2017 Digital Magazine | Page 31

Volume 12
Prior to heading out onto the water, ask your-
self the following questions to make sure
you’re prepared:
• Do I have all required safety equipment
aboard my watercraft and have I ensured it is
in good working order?
• Do I have enough U.S. Coast Guard ap-
proved lifejackets aboard?
• The Coast Guard strongly encourages
boaters and paddlers to wear their lifejack-
ets while underway; doing so will greatly
increase chances of survival in the water.
• On a vessel that is underway, federal law
requires that children under 13 must wear
a Coast Guard approved lifejacket unless
they are below deck, or within an enclosed
cabin.
• Did I file a float plan?
• It is critical to let someone know what
your water plans are, including when and
where you are going.
• This may be a friend, family member, or
someone else you know and trust.
• Ensure that trusted person knows what to
do in the event you do not check-in with
them as planned or you do not arrive to
your destination as scheduled.
• That person should not hesitate to contact
the Coast Guard.
• Do I know the dangers of hypothermia and
how to recognize and respond to someone
who may be suffering from it?
• Did I check the marine weather forecast for
warnings or advisories?
• Did I check the speed of the current and
when the current changes direction?
• Are my radios and electronic survival equip-
ment in good working order and registered
correctly?
• Are my Emergency Position Indicating Ra-
May 2017 Edition
dio Beacons (EPIRB) and Personal Locating
Beacons (PLB) operational and registered
correctly?
(Learn More, courtesy of the U.S. Coast Guard and YouTube)
For additional boating safety information visit
www.uscgboating.org.
For weather information, visit the National Oce-
anic and Atmospheric Administration’s website.
Saving Lives and Guarding the Coast Since
1790.
The United States Coast Guard — Proud His-
tory. Powerful Future.
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