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Boating Safety
entangled, preventing it from functioning.
• Avoid accidentally pulling the lanyard during normal
operation.
• Loss of engine power means loss of most steering control.
• Without engine power, the boat will decelerate rapidly. This
could cause people in the boat to be thrown forward or
ejected overboard if they are not properly seated in the boat.
There are practical limitations to what the Emergency Safety
Lanyard can do. It can take several seconds for the engine and
propeller to stop turning. The boat can continue to coast for
several hundred feet depending on the boat speed at the time the
switch is activated. While the boat is coasting, it can cause injury to
anyone in its path. Accidental loss of power can be hazardous
particularly when docking or in heavy seas, strong current, or high
winds.
While at the dock or when the boat is not moving, periodically
disconnect/pull the Emergency Safety Lanyard out of the switch
while the engine is running to test for proper operation. The
engine should shut off when the lanyard is disconnected/pulled
from the switch. You should not be able to restart the engine until
the lanyard is back in place.
Personal Flotation Devices
Federal law requires that you have at least one wearable Personal
Flotation Device (PFD) of the proper size (Type I, II, III or V), for
each person on board or being towed, and at least one throwable
PFD (Type IV) in the boat. PFDs must be Coast Guard approved, in
good and serviceable condition and the appropriate size for the
user. To meet requirements, each lifesaving device must have a
current, legible USCG approval stamp permanently affixed. At the
beginning of each season, inspect life jackets (PFDs) for damage
and test for proper flotation. Refer to the lifejacket (PFD)
manufacturer’s information.
REMEMBER- The best PFD is the one that is worn – that is, the one
that can save your life. PFDs are intended to save lives; it is highly
recommended that you and your passengers wear them while in the
boat. Learn how to use them and adjust as necessary for comfort. It
is especially important that children and non-swimmers wear a life jacket
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