When Boating, Be Safe and Keep Having Fun
July 9, 2007. Millions of people are traveling this summer, and thousands will no doubt hit America's waters – lakes, rivers, seas and all. There's nothing more fun than a week in a luxury vacation rental, days spent on the boat and evenings spent dining and relaxing.
Whether you're staying on Lake Michigan or the Gulf of Mexico, we encourage everyone to practice safe boating. It's the best way to keep the good times rolling for years to come.
Here are the latest statistics from the U.S. Coast Guard, reflecting the 2005 season:
* 697 fatalities — 3,451 injuries — nearly $39 million in property damage.
* 87 percent of drowning victims were not wearing life jackets.
* Alcohol was either a direct or indirect contributing factor in approximately one-quarter of all boating fatalities.
* About 70 percent of all boating fatalities occurred on boats where the operator had not received boating safety instruction.
Some things you can do to protect your family and friends are obvious: don't drink and drive, wear life jackets, and take a safe boating course. For more information, the Safe Boating Council has links to online courses and on-site boating schools.
