Coast Guard reminds boaters to stay safe

• Take a paddler education course. Paddlesports are the fastest growing segment of recreational boating, with more than 300,000 paddlecraft (primarily kayaks) now being sold annually. Paddlecraft are an extremely affordable entry point to recreational boating. Like any other watercraft, paddlers should seek out paddler education before heading out on the water.
• Wear a personal floatation device/life jacket at all times. In 2010, there have been 18 boating related deaths in the Pacific Northwest. In all of those cases the victims were not wearing life jackets. The law states you must have a PFD for every person on board, but the Coast Guard suggests you go one step further and wear your PFD at all times when boating. It is much more difficult to locate, access, or don a PFD at the moment the accident occurs.
• File a float plan and leave it with someone who is not recreating on the water. A float plan is a lifesaving device on paper and can assist emergency responders with locating a distressed mariner.
• Have a marine band radio and visual distress signals. All of these devices will greatly assist you if you are in distress. 
• Have a registered 406MHz Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon.
• DO NOT boat under the influence of alcohol. Alcohol affects judgment, vision, balance and coordination. Factor in boat motion, vibration, engine noise, sun, wind and spray and a drinker's impairment is accelerated.

For additional boating safety tips, go to http://www.uscgboating.org/index.aspx.