15
GENERAL INFORMATION
Safe Boating Suggestions (Continued)
Make sure everyone in the boat is properly seated. Don’t allow
anyone to sit or ride on any part of the boat that was not intended
for such use. This includes backs of seats, gunwales, transom, bow,
decks, raised fishing seats, any rotating fishing seat; anywhere that
sudden unexpected acceleration, sudden stopping, unexpected
loss of boat control or sudden boat movement could cause a person
to be thrown overboard or into the boat.
Never be under the influence of alcohol or drugs while boating
(it is the law). They impair your judgment and greatly reduce your
ability to react quickly.
Prepare other boat operators. Instruct at least one person on
board in the basics of starting and operating the outboard and boat
handling in case the driver becomes disabled or falls overboard.
Passenger boarding. Stop the engine whenever passengers are
boarding, unloading or are near the back (stern) of the boat. Just
shifting the outboard into neutral is not sufficient.
Be alert. The operator of the boat is responsible by law to “maintain
a proper lookout by sight (and hearing).” The operator must have an
unobstructed view particularly to the front. No passengers, load, or
fishing seats should block the operators view when operating the
boat above idle speed.
Never drive your boat directly behind a water skier in case the
skier falls. As an example, your boat traveling at 25 miles per hour
(40 km/hr) in 5 seconds will overtake a fallen skier who was 200 feet
(61m) in front of you.
Boat operators are required by law to file a Boating Accident
Report with their state boating law enforcement agency when their
boat is involved in certain boating accidents. A boating accident
must be reported if: 1. there is loss of life or probable loss of life, 2.
there is personal injury requiring medical treatment beyond first aid,
3. there is damage to boats or other property where the damage val-
ue exceeds $500.00 or 4. there is complete loss of the boat. Seek
further assistance from local law enforcement.
(continued on next page)
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