Growing up on the water, I can remember my father and grandfather telling me time and time again, “Ross, many anglers have more boat than brains!” That is truer now than ever.
Summer is here and many people are purchasing boats. How many new/old boat owners have little to no experience operating a boat, have knowledge of boating laws, and/or actually know how to safely navigate the areas they plan to fish or boat? Unfortunately, it is probably a large fraction of boat owners. Most boats today have engines with horsepower comparable to most automobiles BUT boats do not have brakes. That is something many boaters never consider.
In 2010, the United States Coast Guard counted 4,604 accidents that involved 672 deaths, 3,153 injuries, and approximately $35.5 million dollars of damage to property as a result of recreational boating accidents. Almost seventy-five (75) percent of all fatal boating accident victims drowned, and of those, eighty-eight (88) percent were reportedly not wearing a life jacket. Ninety-one (91) percent of boating deaths occurred on boats where the operator had NEVER received boating safety instruction. Alcohol use is the leading contributing factor (19%) in fatal boating accidents along with operator inattention, improper lookout, inexperienced operators and excessive speed. (USCG, 2011) Those are only the accidents that were reported. How many go unreported? Many of these accidents could have been avoided by using common sense.
After speaking with other captains, seasoned fishermen, boaters, and law enforcement officers, I would like to share a few boating tips and regulations with you:
• Have all proper safety equipment on board that meets or exceeds USCG regulations.
• In the State of Texas a person who either appears to be impaired and/or has a blood alcohol level of
0.08 or higher while operating a boat can be arrested for BWI (Boating While Intoxicated).
• It is not advisable or safe to ski, kneeboard, wake board, or tube in the ICW. With the amount of boating traffic in this channel, this is an accident just waiting to happen.
• Always wear you kill switch lanyard when operating a boat. This can save your life as well as others.
• USCG regulations state a vessel must give way to vessels engaged in fishing, vessels not under command, and vessels restricted in her ability to maneuver. This includes wading anglers, swimmers, anchored or drifting boats and their persons. (USCG, 2012)
• Give way at a reasonable distance. If that is not possible then give way at a reduced, no wake speed. Honor each other’s space.
• Do not create un-needed wakes when passing by boat launches and/or docking areas. Especially when boaters are attempting to dock or load their boats.
• Use a detailed map or a reliable GPS to learn the bodies of water in which you plan to operate your watercraft.
• Always check the current and future weather conditions in the areas you plan to operate your boat.
• Remember just using common sense can go a long way.
As we spring into the hustle and bustle of summer, let’s remember to respect all boaters, kayakers, swimmers, and anglers, as well as treating our beautiful Texas coast with respect. Most of all, do not be the boater with “more boat than brains”!
Have Fun, Stay Safe & Tight Lines!
Capt. Ross Brunner, Back Bay Entertainment
(361) 772-4809 backbayentertainment@hotmail.com
