Stay safe this boating season

The Coast Guard has issued a report on boating statistics for 2022. There were 636 boating fatalities in 2022, a 3.3% decrease from 658 deaths in 2021.

The total number of accidents in 2022 was 4,040, down 9% from 4,439 in 2021. To no one’s great surprise, the main cause of boating accidents is alcohol. It led to 88 deaths, or 16% of the total fatalities. Delaware had 17 boating accidents and two fatalities in 2021. The number for 2022 will be available later in June.

We are now in the main part of the boating season, and those of us who enjoy fishing from boats must be aware of the many others who go out on the water without a fishing rod on board. There are a good number of people who have no idea how to run their boats; they don’t know the rules of the road and have not the slightest knowledge of navigation. We can only hope that someday they will take a boating course from the Coast Guard Auxiliary. Until then, we must be ever watchful for them when we are on the water.

Also be aware that 75% of boating accident victims drowned. Of those who drowned, 85% were not wearing life jackets. And yet, when I see people on boats, I seldom see them with their life jackets or personal flotation devices on. The new self-inflating PFDs are light as a feather and will blow up even if you are unconscious. I have been wearing one for at least 20 years, and I often forget I have it on. I walked into a Wawa after a fishing trip, and some guy asked if we were expecting a flood.

After booze, operator inattention is the second most common cause of boating accidents. You can see that anytime you ride around a crowded waterway like Indian River Inlet or the sand bars in Rehoboth Bay. This is where you will find all those boats with no fishing rods, and it is just possible you may also find a few drunk captains.

I love the guys or girls who operate their boats with the dead-ahead stare. They are locked onto exactly where they are going with no idea that there are any other boats on the water. Don’t be them.

When you operate a boat, your head must be on a swivel. You have to be aware of what’s ahead and what is coming toward you on the port and starboard. I do not talk to anyone when I run a boat, and I like to have someone tell me if they see boats coming up from the rear or anywhere else. 

One big mistake I see in Delaware is people trying to take pontoon boats or jon boats out into the ocean. Those hulls are just not made for ocean waves and will get you into a lot of trouble just going through Indian River Inlet.

I have seen jon boats sink not only at the inlet, but also just from the wakes of larger boats. They simply are not designed for big waves. The bow will not cut through the water; it will rise up. This will cause the stern to go down, and the wave will come into the boat over the low gunnels. The boat will sink very quickly. I know this is true because I have seen it happen.

I have also seen pontoon boats try to get through the inlet. The waves ran down the deck and took everything on the deck, coolers, fishing tackle and assorted equipment, with them.

If you insist on taking your pontoon boat out into the ocean, go on incoming water. Be sure you come back before the current changes to outgoing.

Excessive speed is another factor associated with accidents, according to the Coast Guard. This is not something we see much of in Delaware. While any boat can go too fast for conditions, those zoom boats that can top 100 mph are seldom seen here. 

Most accidents happen in calm winds, smooth seas and good visibility. Of course, those conditions are when most people will be using their boats.

Two things you can do to prevent drowning or serious injury in case of an accident. No. 1 is always wearing your PFD or life jacket. Do not keep it in a bag marked “Life Jackets” all zippered up and stored safely away.

Second, have the engine cut-off switch engaged at all times. As with the life jackets, it is designed to save your life.

Driving a boat is much like driving a car. You must be aware of everything that is going on around you, and be ready to take evasive action should the need arise.