Boating safety - It could mean your life Published Aug. 23, 2010 By Rod Krause 5th Bomb Wing Ground Safety MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- With the days of summer winding down, many boaters are still traveling to nearby lakes to enjoy the open waters before fall and winter sets in. Because the potential for boating incidents and injuries are always present, it is very important for boaters to take proper precautions to ensure their safety, as well as their passenger's safety. This past week, there were two separate boating mishaps on Lake Sakakawea near Garrison, N.D. One of the incidents involving five people, who were all wearing personal floatation devices, were rescued with minimal strife. The second incident involved six people, including 6- and 9-month-old infants, who were not wearing PFDs. Unfortunately, one of the adults drowned. Both of these mishaps were caused by sudden and strong winds from the west. These winds produced very large waves that can over-turn a boat in a matter of minutes. There's no mystery to boating safety and its potential impact on saving lives. Understanding and obeying these navigational rules and safety procedures help reduce injuries and property damage. While boating, boaters and passengers should wear a life jacket at all times. Approximately 70 percent of all fatal boating accident victims drowned in 2008. Ninety percent of those who drowned were not wearing PFDs. Always have an adequate supply of PFDs on board. Always ensure children are wearing PFDs which fit correctly. Check the weather forecast before the boating trip is another safety measure one should follow. Monitor the forecast while boating and heed all weather and storm advisories. Boaters should also bring a radio with weather capabilities in the boat. One of Team Minot's experienced boaters, Skip Krause, suggests people always know the weather conditions before going out. If bad weather is approaching or a weather-related announcement is aired, seek shelter immediately. Boaters should also be sure to operate the boat at a safe speed and always maintain a careful lookout for adverse weather conditions. Overall, operator inattention, carelessness, operator inexperience and excessive speeds are contributing factors in most reported incidents. Boaters should be aware of their boat's limitations and take note of visibility, traffic density and the proximity of navigational hazards like: shoals, rocks or floating objects. Boaters must know and practice boating safety procedures and rules of navigation before taking to the water. Remember, boating mishaps can often be avoided by following basic regulations and using a properly equipped boat.