Bayliner Boats - Boating season means boating safety

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Hi gang, Rick Ostler here bringing you Bayliner Boats anlong with news and views from the boating industry. United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 22-04 kicked off National Safe Boating Week by simulating boating rescue scenarios for the Operation American Lifesaver event at the Smithtown Marina recently.

Boat safety check demonstration

The day was highlighted by simulation critiques and group discussions among local fire firefighters, a kayak and 20-foot Bayliner boat safety check demonstration, and an appearance by state Senator John Flanagan (R-East Northport), who embraced the efforts of all local emergency services who attended. "I have a lot of respect for the work these folks do," Flanagan said. "A critical component is public awareness … making sure that people are safe."

The event was attended by the Nissequogue, Setauket, Smithtown and St. James fire departments, which in turn participated in recreating rescue scenarios. The first of these replicated the proper safety procedures for evacuating heart-attack victims from a passenger boat in the marina and resuscitating him. Volunteer victims were carefully removed from the boat and taken on a gurney to waiting ambulances. Other practice scenarios included a drug overdose patient and a boater suffering a severe asthma attack.

Focus on PFDs, personal flotation devices

The central focus of the event was PFDs, or personal flotation devices, and their importance for all boaters. According the United States Coast Guard, more than two-thirds of boating fatalities result in drowning and 90 percent of those who drown did not wear a PFD. This correlation has prompted a straightforward slogan for the 2008 boating season, "Wear it!"

"Wearing a personal flotation device provides those who accidentally end up in the water with the added protection they need," Flanagan stated in a release, "and everyone should have one on every time they go out on the waters."

Long Island, New York - World-renowned for recreational boating

"Long Island is world-renowned for recreational boating," he continued, "and it is up to all of us to do our part to make it as safe and enjoyable as possible."

"Our experience shows us that nothing makes more difference when it comes to saving lives than wearing a life jacket and boating education," said Flotilla 22-04 Commander Ron Doda. "That is why the auxiliary is involved in ongoing campaigns to promote both." Flanagan has successfully worked to strengthen New York State's boating-while-intoxicated (BWI) laws.

In 2003, Flanagan's efforts lowered the BWI blood alcohol content threshold from .10 to .08 and followed that in 2006 by increasing the penalties for those convicted of BWI. These changes made the crime of BWI equal in the eyes of the law with driving while intoxicated.

Promote Boating Safety

To further promote boating safety, Flanagan has sponsored legislation that would require all who operate a powered vessel on the waters to hold a boating safety certificate. The legislation also forbids operation of such a boat or watercraft by those 10 or under and restricts the ability of those who are under 16 to drive on the water. Thanks to Bob Doda, http://www.timesofsmithtown.com for this.

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Rick Ostler, North American Waterway