MAY 12, 2009

Secretary Land, boating advocates urge life jacket use, safety training

Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land and boating advocates recommend that before boaters leave the dock, they make sure that their craft and all aboard it are properly equipped for a day on the water.

"Making sure there are enough life jackets on board is critical to safe boating," said Land, whose office registers nearly 932,000 watercraft. "Drowning accidents account for 70 percent of all boating fatalities and are one of the most preventable of all water-related catastrophes. A life jacket should be sized to the individual using it and regularly inspected for wear and tear."

Land's message coincides with National Safe Boating Week, which is May 16-22.

Van Snider, president of the Michigan Boating Industries Association, encouraged boaters to take a safety course offered by a number of organizations throughout the state. The course is required for anyone born after 1978 who wishes to operate a personal watercraft.

"There are laws, rules and skills required for operating watercraft, just like there are for automobiles," Snider said. "You'd never think of putting someone who lacked training behind the wheel of a car. Boating should be no different."

Residents interested in taking a boating safety course should check with the following sources for more information:

• U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary at www.cgaux.org
• (800) 336-BOAT; (336-2628 for the BoatU.S. boating safety course hot line.)
• U.S. Power Squadron at www.usps.org.
• Michigan Department of Natural Resources at www.michigan.gov/dnr.
• County sheriff's offices, community colleges, and marinas and boat dealers.

By operating a vessel on Michigan waters, boaters consent to be tested for alcohol or drugs if arrested by a law enforcement officer. The first conviction for operating a watercraft while intoxicated can result in a loss of boating privileges for up to a year.

"Operating a watercraft under the influence of alcohol or drugs is irresponsible and illegal," said Lt. Dean E. Horton Sr., chief of inspections and investigations at U.S. Coast Guard Sector Detroit. "You place yourself, your passengers, your craft and other boats in danger when doing so. Maximize your boating recreation by remaining safe and sober when operating your craft."

Other good tips from the U.S. Coast Guard include:

Take extra precaution near boats towing skiers or tubers.

• Never reverse the boat to pick up someone out of the water but instead circle around the person.
• Examine your boat's stern to make certain no one is near the propeller before you start the engine.
• Be especially alert when operating in congested areas and never enter swimming zones.
• Learn to recognize scuba diver markers.

Ensuring that your boating plans are shipshape also means having your watercraft properly registered. Land said that one of the easiest ways to renew your watercraft registration is online. In 2003, more than 10,000 online renewals were processed. By 2008, the number had jumped to nearly 43,000.

A unique personal identification number on your renewal notice allows you to access the department's online or touch-tone telephone renewal systems. Both convenient options are available March 1 to Aug. 31 and can be accessed 24 hours a day. Payment is by Visa, MasterCard or Discover credit card. Watercraft renewals can also be processed by mail or at a Secretary of State office.

The Department of State offers a safe boating booklet at its branch offices. The guide is free and has information about boating basics, laws and safety.

The Michigan Boating Industries Association is a nonprofit trade group dedicated to the promotion, protection and advancement of the recreational boating industry. For more information, visit www.mbia.org.

For more information about personal watercraft, watercraft registration or other Department of State services, visit www.Michigan.gov/sos.