I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Have a PFD Protocol! The Coast Guard and the Safe Boating Council seem to agree.

[Thanks to Captain Richard Rodriguez for pointing this out...I didn't even know it was National Safe Boating Week!]

SEATTLE - In preparation for the 50th Annual National Safe Boating Week, May 17-24, the Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary along with boating agencies from Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana are asking boaters and beachgoers to take special precautions before getting into the water as the boating season begins and summer temperatures rise.

To encourage the mandatory use of life jackets by children, Dairy Queen has teamed up with the Coast Guard and the state boating programs as well as other state and federal agencies to reward children wearing lifejackets with coupons for free ice cream. Dairy Queen has been a staunch supporter of boating safety for eight years and will again provide safe junior boaters with a Dairy Queen Ice Cream Cone if they are 16 years old or younger and wearing a lifejacket while boating.

With record temperatures forecasted for the weekend anyone who chooses to beat the heat at a local river, stream, or pond should be very cautious as they could be entering a very deadly situation.

1. Cold Water Sudden Immersion is a proven deadly killer and even strong swimmers can be quickly overcome. Local rivers streams and ponds are still under the effects of melting snow and despite warmer weather, temperatures in the water can still be extremely cold. The only thing that can give a person their best chance of surviving sudden cold water immersion is a lifejacket. Lifejackets save lives!  For more information on Cold Water Immersion click here.

2. Check Local Weather Forecasts:  Be aware that storms can come up quickly and without warning. Always check local weather conditions and forecasts before heading out.

3. Wear Personal Flotation Devices: Life jackets – bring one for each person. History has shown that the chance of survival greatly increases if an individual is wearing a personal flotation device. For more information on life jacket requirements visit: http://www.uscgboating.org/command/initiative/jacket.htm

4. Stay Sober: Operating a boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal. For more information on boating under the influence visit: http://www.uscgboating.org/safety/bui.htm

5. Have a Marine Radio: Investing in a good VHF radio is a smart purchase. Cell phones should not be used as a primary means of emergency communication on the water where reception may be poor or unavailable.  A VHF radio has certain advantages such as:

• Strong signal.
• Channels reserved for distress calls. (VHF channel 16)
• Distress calls are received by everyone monitoring a VHF radio in range, whereas cell phone communications are point-to-point.

For more in-depth information about radios and terminology visit the link below. http://www.uscgboating.org/safety/metlife/radio.htm

6. Float Plan: A float plan is a written statement of the details of an intended voyage usually filed with a friend, neighbor and/or marina operator or; a document that specifically describes the vessel, equipment, crew, and itinerary of a planned voyage. Leave a copy with a friend, relative or local marina before heading out on the water.  If a vessel has an emergency or is overdue, pertinent information will be available to provide local marine police or the Coast Guard. If delayed, boaters should inform those with the float plan, and be sure to notify them upon returning so the float plan can be “closed out” and an unnecessary and costly search avoided. An example of a float plan can be found at http://www.uscgboating.org/safety/fedreqs/floatplan.pdf

7. Get Your Boat Checked before Heading Out: The Coast Guard Auxiliary and United States Power Squadron offer a free Vessel Safety Check.  Common problems found are lack of personal flotation devices, lack of visual distress signals or inoperable navigational lights.  For a complete list of what boaters should check prior to heading out, or to schedule a free vessel safety check, visit: http://www.vesselsafetycheck.org/

8. Boating Safety Classes:  A variety of boating safety classes are available throughout the Pacific Northwest. These classes are provided through the Coast Guard Auxiliary in many locations. Visit the link below for a listing and description of available classes. http://a130.uscgaux.info/dso-pe/index.htm or http://www.usps.org/

Below are statistics for water-related deaths in Washington, Oregon, Montana and Idaho.
WASHINGTON

• According to the Washington State Department of Health, there were 123 unintentional drowning deaths in Washington in 2006.
• Drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury death for children ages 17 and younger

OREGON

• According to the Oregon State Department of Health, there were 66 reported boating accidents resulting in 9 fatalities during 2007.

IDAHO

• According to the Idaho State Department of Vital Statistics, there were 10 reported boating accidents resulting in 11 fatalities during 2007.