Boating Safety (Summer 2007)

Dave White on the Small Screen:

On the third Tuesday of every month since April 2006, NYSG's Recreation/Tourism Specialist Dave White has been waking up early to bring Sea Grant's "message" to the morning masses. This continuing series airs on the Morning Show at WWNY TV 7, a Fox affiliate in downtown Watertown, during one of the highest rated TV blocks in the "wake-up hours," the 6:30-7 am stretch.

Sea Grant's 'five minutes of fame' -- which potentially reaches around 10,000 viewers in Jefferson and Northern Oswego Counties - features topics such as boating safety, aquatic invasive species, diving in search of sunken wrecks, the dune and Salmon River stewards program, shoreline land issues, tourism, and marine safety.

"The interviews have exposed a large number of people to the wide variety of programming that New York Sea Grant organizes and participates in," says Morning Show Producer Jack W. Miller.

TODAY'S TOPIC: BOATING SAFETY

Practicing safe boating procedures is key for all who enjoy the resource, as Dave White explains here. Take a course to learn about safe boating and remember these quick key tips: (1) Bring life jackets aboard for all; (2) Don't exceed your vessel's carrying or powering capacity, and don't overload; (3) Bring sunscreen, water, and, as a precaution, visual distress equipment such as flares or smoke signals and a portable phone or VHF radio; (4) Keep an eye on the sky for foul weather and seek safe harbor; (5) Learn basic first aid and keep a first aid emergency kit on the boat at all times; (6) Avoid consuming excessive amounts of alcohol; (7) Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to be back. Ask them to call the authorities if you fail to return on time; (8) Familiarize yourself with local waters and obtain a chart of the area in which you plan to operate; (9) Remember the 'one three' rule for gas consumption - use 1/3 on the way out, 1/3 for fishing, and keep 1/3 for the trip home. Keep more gas for the return trip if you expect strong head winds; (10) Engine exhaust causes carbon monoxide poisoning; be familiar with these symptoms (headache, nausea, weakness, and dizziness).

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• Sea
• Grant
• Boating
• Safety