MAY/JUN 2004 VOL.19 - NO.3 national association of state boating law administrators

TeachingTeaching KidsKids InstillsInstills LifelongLifelong BoatingBoating SafetySafety ValuesValues

OptimismOptimism SurroundsSurrounds Wallop-BreauxWallop-Breaux ReauthorizationReauthorization

LewisLewis && ClarkClark CommemorationCommemoration ContinuesContinues

Produced under a grant from the Aquatic Resources (Wallop-Breaux) Trust Fund administered by the U.S. Coast Guard from the HELM

The official publication of the National Association of Fred Messmann State Boating Law Administrators NASBLA President We Must Protect Our Children — They Are Our Future PRESIDENT You never know who may become the vanguard of would prefer his fear be directed at the consequences Fred Messmann our messages! of not having life jackets and not a fear of me personally. With a big smile, we both ended up My wife, Anabella, came home from work at St. catching limits of beautiful rainbow trout, location VICE PRESIDENT Mary’s Hospital last night a bit upset. Anabella was to remain confidential. Randy Edwards in a staffer’s office and commented to him what a very nice picture he had on the wall – it showed the Another very real nightmare is the loss of a child in a SECRETARY/TREASURER staffer teaching his 9- or 10-year-old son how to boating accident. There are some children’s names Charlie Sledd operate a boat. With a big smile and puffed-up chest, that are difficult for me to remember. Not that their the staffer said, "Thanks." names are different than any other child’s name – just EXECUTIVE EDITOR that they are more painful to say for some of us John Johnson Then came the carpet-pulling. Anabella asked, "But because of the tragedy related to the names: tell me what is wrong with this picture?" The Deborah, 16, perished in a personal watercraft surprised staffer commented there was NOTHING (PWC) accident in Texas in 1998; Aaron, 13, killed MANAGING EDITOR WRONG with the picture. Anabella replied, in 1996 on a PWC that hit a boat in Colorado; and Ron Sarver "Children in Nevada less than 12 years of age are Scotty, 9, killed in a 1999 California PWC/boating required to wear a personal flotation device. Plus, accident. EDITOR your child was learning how to boat from you, but Kimberly Hermes you are not wearing a life jacket either!" The staffer’s These children remind me of why I am so passionate reply was that they had been close to shore. about doing this job – as a parent, a state boating law ART DIRECTOR administrator, and representing my state with NASBLA Michelle Huber-Kropp Enough said, good for you Anabella! I hope that and the National Boating Safety Advisory Council. encounter planted some thoughts in a very well- meaning person’s mind and didn’t get Anabella a I have met the parents of these children. If you want CIRCULATION DIRECTOR poor performance report. the passion to grab your heart as well as your Joan Minton professionalism, talking to them will do it for you. You need to know that when I go boating with my These children were wearing PFDs. Perhaps EDITORIAL OFFICES brother, son, grandchildren and friends that I mandatory education would have made a difference 1500 Leestown Road, Suite 330 practice what I preach. in saving the children’s lives and in saving the Lexington KY 40511 parents, friends and classmates the agony associated Phone: 859.225.9487 During the International Boating and Water Safety with these fatalities. Fax: 859.231.6403 Summit in April, I showed an attendee some pictures E-mail: [email protected] of a recent fishing trip on a boat. The person viewing While discussing boating and children, you may the photos commented on the fact that I was wearing believe there is no need to talk about alcohol an inflatable personal flotation device (PFD) on the awareness. In fact, this is THE time to begin boat. This he noticed even before taking note of the educating children about the perils that drugs and © Small Craft Advisory (ISSN: 1066-2383) Published nice salmon I had caught! No one – youth or adult – alcohol bestow on safe and enjoyable boating. bimonthly by the National Association of State Boating Law gets on my boat without wearing a PFD. Administrators, 1500 Leestown Rd, Suite 330, Lexington, As I was finishing this article, I was advised that a KY 40511 (six issues). Subscription is $12 annually. Contact I frequently carry extra life jackets with me in case I 30ish female operator was towing her husband and NASBLA for permission to reprint articles, 859.225.9487. Send change of address to Small Craft Advisory, 1500 encounter anyone who might need to borrow one. I three children on a tube too close to shore and swung Leestown Road, Suite 330, Lexington KY 40511. appear every spring on a local television program, them into a cliff rock wall. Her husband may be a The Outdoor Recreation Show, and talk about paraplegic if he survives, one of the children is in boating safety. critical condition and the other two are in the hospital. The operator’s blood alcohol content was The producer happened to see me at the launch .05. This percentage is not enough to arrest her for ABOUT THE COVER ramp early one morning as we prepared to go fishing. operating under the influence, but it may be a He became flushed and literally sank to his knees mitigating factor in more serious charges, let alone begging forgiveness. I asked, "For what?" He the fact it was her own family. Since children are our future, it is critical that confessed that he and his family had planned to go we ensure their safety on the water. This can boating this day, that he had had a nightmare Boating is safe and enjoyable! However, we in law be accomplished both by teaching them dreaming that I was on duty and caught him without enforcement deal with the minority of boaters who boating and water safety and by setting a PFDs and that, in fact, he had just remembered he fail to learn how to keep themselves or others out of good example for them to follow. This issue had left them home. He felt his nightmare was harm’s way. There is no single solution. It is vital for of Small Craft Advisory showcases just a few coming true. us to work together in such a way as to ensure the innovative ways to accomplish this mission. parents are around to teach our youth the correct way I told him that I was glad that my message was so to boat and that children who become boaters live to powerful but that I would loan him life jackets so he enjoy boating SAFELY, far, far into the future. could enjoy the day without fear. I told him that I

NASBLA small craft advisory • may/jun 2004 • page 1 nasbla NEWS Committees Progress Conference All of NASBLA’s policy committees have met materials, a Paddler’s Handbook, and a for their interim spring meetings. Minutes bibliography of available paddlesports Planning Underway from these meetings, along with a complete set education resources and funding. of committee charges and members, are Mark your calendars! NASBLA’s 45th Annual available online at www.nasbla.org. The Law Enforcement Committee rolled out Conference will be held September 11-15, the new NASBLA Boating Under the Influence 2004, in Chattanooga, Tenn. Following are some items being worked on by training program for the states. It was presented the committees. this spring in Texas, Oregon and Ohio. The Co-hosted by Tennessee and Georgia, this course has been well received and states are very year’s conference promises to have something The Boating Accident Investigation, Reporting interested in expanding the program. for everyone. and Analysis Committee is drafting definitions and recommendations to the Coast Guard A number of training needs were discussed, The tentative schedule has the Opening regarding "recreational" vs. "commercial." including PWC use in enforcement and noise Ceremonies and the President’s Reception on enforcement. The committee has formed Sunday evening. The general sessions will take The committee discussed the need to expand working groups to study the issues. place Monday and Tuesday mornings with education to fire and EMS personnel and breakout sessions in the afternoons. Breakouts medical examiners to increase awareness of The Numbering & Titling Committee will finish on Wednesday morning, followed carbon monoxide poisoning. continues its work with the National by Regional Luncheons and an afternoon Conference of Commissioners on Uniform Business Meeting. The conference will close The Boats & Associated Equipment has State Laws (NCCUSL) on developing a Wednesday evening with an Awards Banquet. updated the NASBLA Model Act for "Capacity Uniform Certificate of Title Act for vessels and Label" Maximum Loading and Horsepower for the adoption by the Coast Guard of a 17- An extra feature this year is the New Boating and is amending the NASBLA Model Act on character HIN. Law Administrators Workshop. Scheduled for personal flotation devices to include definitions the Friday preceding the conference, this of "readily accessible" and "immediately available." A subcommittee is looking at registration for daylong seminar is designed to give new BLAs non-powered vessels to qualify for federal funds. insight into the administration and management of a The committee is concerned with the status on state recreational boating safety program. the agreement between the USCG and The committee is providing oversight on a personal watercraft (PWC) manufacturers for grant to develop measures of effectiveness for The governors from Tennessee and Georgia vessels not to exceed 65 mph. A letter has been state numbering & titling systems. along with the director of the Tennessee sent to the USCG asking them to reconfirm Wildlife Resources Agency and the director of with the PWC manufacturers their intent with The Waterways Management Committee the Georgia Department of Natural Resources respect to the continuation of this speed- discussed ways to re-establish the Federal have been invited to address the members limiting agreement. Interagency Recreational Boating Forum and during the opening ceremonies. how otherwise to influence the trend toward Boats & Associated Equipment has also more autonomous federal agency promulgation General session topics in the works include developed language for a NASBLA Model Act of boating regulations. Women at the Helm; Working with Mothers requiring the use of cut-off switches on Against Drunk Driving; the International mechanically powered vessels. The committee launched a research project to Conference on Safety in Transportation; the identify issues for marking, modifying or National Boating Survey; and Cold Water The Education Committee is reviewing current removing low-head dams. The committee will Immersion. offerings and developing additional protocols compile a report on best management practices needed for the review and approval of Internet- among the state boating authorities and from Breakout session will cover Standards & based boating education courses. other waterways management agencies and Regulations; Accident Recreation Software; organizations related to mitigating the dangers Measures of Effectiveness for State Numbering The committee oversaw the grant which of low-head or run-of-the river dams. & Titling Programs; Internet-based Boating funded the training of state education course Education; Video Cameras on Vessels; Survey reviewers in the use and application of All committees will complete their charges at on Fishing & Boating; NMMA’s Certification NASBLA National Boating Education Standards. the NASBLA Annual Conference on Program; Watersports; Towing Safety Advisory September 12, 2004, in Chattanooga, Tenn. Committee & Commercial/Recreational Boat The Paddlesports Subcommittee addressed the Interface Group; Critical Information development of paddlesport safety education Distribution; Low Head Dams; Hands-on Boating Instruction; Federal Regulatory Process & Willingness to Pay Concept; Use of CALL FOR Law Enforcement Presentations Radar in Boating Enforcement; The ninth annual International Boating The deadline for submitting proposals for Hunters/Anglers Outreach Efforts; Invasive and Water Safety Summit will be held in presentations at next year’s Summit is Aquatic Species; Boating Under the Influence Newport Beach, Calif. March 13-16, 2005. August 30, 2004. Details for submitting a Training; and On-water Demonstrations. NASBLA’s Law Enforcement Committee is proposal are available online at charged with helping coordinate the law www.safeboatingcouncil.org. The conference will be held at the enforcement track of breakout sessions for Chattanoogan Hotel, located in the heart of this conference. Topics for law enforcement track sessions downtown Chattanooga. should address current and interesting marine law enforcement issues or initiatives.

NASBLA small craft advisory • may/jun 2004 • page 2 nickel’s WORTH Optimism Abounds for Recreational Boating Safety Funding By George Stewart, Ed Carter and John Johnson

It has been a very long and winding Wallop- beginning were willing to formally and publicly Needless to say, a huge pat on the back also Breaux road but it has most definitely been acknowledge support for the State Boating goes to President Fred Messmann for his worth the walk (sometimes crawl). There is Safety Programs to receive a greater share of the leadership through the twisted final hours of great anticipation that by the time this article is motorboat fuel tax. this endeavor. It’s a great feeling when the published, the guessing will be over and the cleanup batter knocks it out of the park. reauthorization of the Aquatic Resources We would be remiss if we didn’t say a special (Wallop-Breaux) Trust Fund will be law. thanks to former NASBLA presidents Steve Following is the "good news" summary of the Optimism is very high and this article is Hall and Alvin Taylor. They took up the fight final package. dedicated to sharing what we believe will be early in their terms and as a result suffered very good news and the fruition of all our through several sleepless nights and the "slings Sometimes "a picture is worth several million collective labor. and arrows" of those with opposing ideas. dollars." And, thanks to NASBLA Executive Director George Stewart’s son, Maybe just a touch of history, Wayne, we have a very helpful however, is still in order. States Boating Safety Programs graphic depiction of this good news. The reauthorization of the Positioned for SUCCESS Transportation Equity Act of The illustration below reveals the the 21st Century (TEA-21) through 2009! highlights of the legislation and should have become effective what they mean in continued, on October 1, 2003. increased funding throughout the Because a funding level in reauthorization period. the Highway Transportation Bill could not be agreed on by The receipts that come into the fund the House, the Senate and the from all the sources are collected in White House, the one fiscal year and distributed in reauthorization did not the next. The following chart on occur and three the left shows the receipts from extensions of current FY 03 which will be distributed law have taken place. in FY 04. More good news, The current though, is that the extension ends June reauthorization will most likely 30, 2004. be retroactive to this fiscal year (04) and an additional $28 million money from the Assuming there will drawdown of the Boat Safety Account will be be no Presidential distributed in the last quarter of this year (July, veto, the August and September 2004) in addition to reauthorization of the the previously collected FY 03 receipts. entire highway bill, as well as the Wallop-Breaux provisions, will be the The chart on the left shows the final product of a House/Senate Conference distribution of those FY 03 funds to some Committee. There doesn’t seem to be any of the Wallop-Breaux programs in Fiscal Year problem with the provisions of the Wallop- 04, including the additional Boat Safety Breaux component, but not all the details were Account money. The recovery of the 4.8 cents in either bill, so the Conference Committee is will be collected in FY 05, and distributed in a critical step. We are going to assume that we’ll FY 06 giving recreational boating safety emerge intact and victorious. another jump in that year to $119 million. They, along with their respective NASBLA On that assumption, we owe a great deal of executive boards, surely must feel some real thanks to several individuals and organizations satisfaction with the final outcome. for their help, especially those who from the

FISCAL YEAR 03 RECEIPTS FISCAL YEAR 04 PROGRAM DISTRIBUTION Motorboat Fuel Tax $220 Million Boating Safety $ 94 Million Fishing Equipment $100 Million Clean Vessel $ 10 Million Electric Sonar $ 2 Million Infrastructure (BIG) $ 10 Million Customs- Import $ 35 Million Outreach $ 10 Million Small Engine Gas $ 70 Million Boat Access $ 41 Million Interest $ 42 Million

NASBLA small craft advisory • may/jun 2004 • page 3 OUT & ABOUT

A Lake Mille Lacs Fish Tale Conservation officers with the state During the search, Speldrich found a fully Scott Snow was arrested for possessing the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) loaded .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol. Did prohibited silencer and for carrying the come across all sorts of fishing gear when plying Snow have a permit to carry the pistol? "No." concealed firearms without a permit. Kevin Minnesota’s waterways. There’s everything Snow and Timothy Harper received a from the latest fish finder to locate a hot spot to Speldrich asked for and was granted consent to summons for possession of a small amount of fluorescent lures to help anglers catch more fish. look inside the black duffle bag sitting in front marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. of Snow. But when conservation officers Brent Speldrich Scott Snow recently pled guilty to a gross of McGregor and Bob Mlynar of Aitkin left "Upon opening the bag, I found that it misdemeanor charge of carrying a weapon Lake Mille Lacs last May they had a fish tale contained a 9 mm semi-automatic assault without a permit. He will pay $975 in court that would have shocked the heartiest angler. weapon," Speldrich said. "The chamber was fees, $500 to the DNR Enforcement Resource empty, but the magazine in the weapon Fund and forfeit all firearms and ammo from The officers were approximately two miles west contained 20 rounds of ammunition. The bag the case valued at approximately $1,200. of the Wealthwood public access and also contained a silencer that fit the assault approximately two miles out from shore, weapon. I asked Snow Submitted by Kim Elverum, Boating Law down wind of a watercraft that why he was in Administrator, Minnesota Department of contained three men. Both officers possession of the Natural Resources detected the smell of marijuana. firearms. He The only stated that he Editor’s note: Often in the course of a routine stop, boat in didn’t want to boating law enforcement officers find themselves the area leave them in faced with the unexpected. This magazine feature that was the truck while showcases such encounters. If you know of a upwind from they were routine stop that turned out to be anything but them was the fishing." routine, please share your story with our readers. watercraft with E-mail stories to [email protected] or call Small the three Further search of Craft Advisory Editor Kimberly Hermes at occupants. As the boat provided 859.225.9487 with the details. they approached no other weapons. the boat, Speldrich used night vision to watch the occupants.

"When we were approximately 20 feet from the watercraft, Officer Mlynar turned on the Ohio Boat Dealer spotlight and lit up the boat," Speldrich said. "I observed the front seat occupant quickly place INDICTED ON FELONY COUNTS a silver colored object under a garment on the front seat." Portage Entry Marine and Mary Lou Saliaris of Port Clinton have been After identifying themselves as conservation indicted on more than 24 felony counts for allegedly trying to avoid officers they pulled up along side the anchored paying sales taxes over an 8-year period. craft. Speldrich fixed his attention on the front seat occupant. He asked the man what he had Among the allegations are that the business failed to issue certificates of placed under the garment on the front seat. title, tampered with records and didn’t pay state taxes on boat and The answer was "nothing." Speldrich then asked if he could look at it. "Go ahead." engine sales between 1995 and 2003. The unpaid taxes added up to Speldrich found a silver-colored metal about $211,000; however, with interest and penalties, the business now container with a small amount of marijuana owes about $325,000. inside. Did he have any other drugs? "No." Saliaris also stands accused of forging the signature of a notary who Scott Allen Snow, 37, of Little Falls, had an angling license. A further search of the other used to work for her. two occupants of the watercraft, Kevin Dale Snow, 41, and Timothy Hugh Harper, 47, both During the 8-year period, about 251 boats and engines were purchased of Little Falls, resulted in each also possessing a by 120 people, none of which received proper titles or paid sales tax, small amount of marijuana. according to the Ottawa County Prosecutor. In most law enforcement work this would have been an effective, if minor "pinch." But instinct The prosecutor believes Saliaris did not turn in the manufacturer’s told Speldrich there was more. He asked Scott certificate of origin when selling a boat or engine, and therefore would Snow to consent to a search. He agreed. register the boats without the proper title.

NASBLA small craft advisory • may/jun 2004 • page 4 associate SPOTLIGHT

National Safe Boating Council Boating Safety Instructor Certification Course. "Sidekicks" The foremost coalition for the advancement The purpose of this training is to educate and promotion of safer boating through instructors in NASBLA’s Minimum Standards education and outreach, the National Safe for Boating Education and in effective power Use Interactive CD Boating Council Inc. (NSBC) was organized boating education methods. in September 1958 under the name "National To Teach Boating Safe Boating Committee." Geared toward federal, state, county and city park, or camp instructors, the course focus is to The NSBC presently has a membership of clarify and identify the knowledge and skills The National Safe Boating Council has more than 330 U.S. and Canadian needed to present an effective NASBLA- organizations, all with an interest in boating approved boating safety education curricula to introduced a CD suitable for use at safety and education. Its members include non- entry-level students. profit and commercial organizations, state and local children’s museums, at schools, or local marine enforcement and boating safety For more information about the National agencies, and individuals. Boating Safety Council, visit as part of a video kiosk at boat shows www.safeboatingcouncil.org. Its mission to reduce accidents and enhance the and open houses. boating experience. The National Safe Boating US SAILING Council accomplishes this mission by: US SAILING was originally organized as the North American Yacht Racing Union • Conducting a series of on-going national (NAYRU) on October 30, 1897. The founding Kids Know Boats! teaches children campaigns to promote safe boating. members were the Inter-Lake Yachting • Providing opportunities to work directly Association, New York Racing Association, (and adults) all about boating terms, with national and international leaders in Pacific Inter-Club Yacht Association, Yacht boating education. Racing Association of Long Island Sound, Yacht Racing Association in Massachusetts, proper signaling, why you should wear • Improving the professional development of and the Royal St. Lawrence Yacht Club. boating safety educators. your life jacket, and more. The • Distributing safe boating information. The organization’s original purpose was to • Developing and recognizing outstanding graphics are eye-catching, and children encourage and promote yacht racing and to boating safety programs. unify the racing and rating rules in the United can explore dozens of sites on the • Supporting research initiatives that strengthen States and Canada and throughout the boating education and safety awareness. yachting world. screen. The CD can also be customized The NSBC and NASBLA cooperate on NAYRU unanimously resolved at its January 1975 annual meeting to change its name to the for any organization. numerous boating safety projects and internal committees. The two organizations signed a United States Yacht Racing Union and to formal Memorandum of Agreement in restructure to better fulfill its new role as the national governing body for sailing in the September 1999 to work together in support of United States. This work was completed at the For more information about the recreational boating safety objectives. January 1976 annual meeting with adoption of a revised set of bylaws. Sidekicks program, visit At its October 1991 annual meeting, USYRU www.boatingsidekicks.com/kidsknow/ voted to change its name to the United States Sailing Association Inc. and to do business as knowmain.htm. US SAILING. The new name more adequately described the broader activity of the organization and clarified the administration’s intention to fulfill every aspect of the responsibilities of a national governing body under the auspices of the Amateur Sports Act.

In recent years, US SAILING has created and maintained the definitive national standards for Through its membership, the NSBC has had sailing instruction and continues to develop the opportunity to work with NASBLA on highly successful training programs for young several important national committees and and adult sailors. develop new initiatives to improve overall boating safety across the country. US SAILING has been a member of the National Association of State Boating Law To help NASBLA in its goal to maintain Administrators (NASBLA) for nearly two national education standards and educational decades. methods, the Council regularly holds the

NASBLA small craft advisory • may/jun 2004 • page 5 possible to represent the needs and interests of Subcommittee which recently completed the sailors, as well as provide a conduit for multi-year project of writing five generic information to US SAILING’s membership boating safety tests for use by all 50 states. and leadership regarding NASBLA’s work and activities," said Jo Mogle, Training Committee "The networking that takes place within vice chair of Standards and Credentials. "Good NASBLA has been very helpful and provides a two-way communication is of value to the unique opportunity to exchange ideas and members and goals of both organizations." information with other organizations, businesses and individuals involved in boating US SAILING’s past president (and current education and legislation," said Mogle. "The chair of its Training and Government Relations many and varied insights and opinions of many The sailing organization has recognized the Committees) Jim Muldoon has been a member of these boating experts have been of great mission, goals and work of NASBLA since its of the USCG’s Boating Safety Advisory value. In addition, the presentations and inception. US SAILING joined NASBLA to Council for many years. As such he has been an demonstrations given by the speakers, sponsors further its role in serving and speaking for the important ally of NASBLA, especially with the and vendors at the organization’s meetings have country’s sailing interests and needs as they recent efforts to achieve equitable distribution provided valuable insight and greatly relate to the administration of the various of the Aquatic Resources (Wallop-Breaux) broadened my own base of knowledge of the states’ boating laws and regulations. Trust Fund. various issues across the country related to boating safety, education and law enforcement." Its membership in NASBLA has enabled US Mogle, as a member of NASBLA’s Education SAILING to play an active role in the Committee, has provided insight and guidance For more information about US SAILING, development and furthering of NASBLA’s to the committee on issues of importance to visit www.ussailing.org. sailors. Mogle also served on the Test Writing goals. "By becoming involved, it has been

Initiative Connects Boating Law Administrators with Boating Safety Educators, Advocates By Anthony A. Lorenc, Chief Department of Boating, States Division U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary

The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary every state has a website containing all the important to note that the recipients will not be (USCGAUX) Public Education (PE) critical boating information. able to send messages back to a BLA.) Department, in partnership with the Auxiliary’s Boating Department, has established an The Auxiliary immediately began seeking a To register in the system, go online to innovative, web-based server notification better way to mass-distribute regulatory and www.cgaux.org. From there click on process to keep all boating safety educators statutory changes, along with any other MEMBERS’ DECK, then DEPARTMENTS. At better informed. Not only does this system information deemed appropriate by the BLA, the listing of departments, click on reach all Auxiliary instructors, it is accessible for to anyone in the Auxiliary. The Auxiliary took E:EDUCATION. At this point click on State all individuals dealing with recreational boating it one step further and decided to find a way to Database Sign Up to register. Just enter your safety and the boating public. distribute information not only to Auxiliary name, address, e-mail address, etc., and select members but to anyone involved in boating those states about which you want to receive This computerized notification system will safety education. updates. help educators stay current with their respective states’ changing boating laws, as well as any A prime concern was that the distribution The usefulness of this initiative depends on the other information that boating law needed to be handled with no cost to the BLAs. involvement of as many individuals as possible. administrators (BLAs) would like to share with Plus, it had to be simple and easy to use. This will make for more informed boating state recreational boating safety advocates. public, improve communications regarding Dr. Richard A. Clinchy III, chief of the specific state boating regulations and allow To disseminate information, all a BLA needs to USCGAUX Department of Education, along BLAs to reach greater numbers of the boating do is to e-mail the information to the Auxiliary with others, devised a plan to fix the public with important messages. computer server. From there, the information communications problem. The solution will be distributed to all registered users. required two tools: a boating law administrator Where are we with this Directions for registering on the Auxiliary server and a server to register recipients of the initiative thus far? website are outlined below. BLA information. Both tools are simple and As of April 2004, the system is operational and easy to use. contains over 2,500 registrations. States have Why is this important? already begun using the system to disseminate At the National Association of State Boating All BLAs need to do is type a message and send information. Law Administrators’ (NASBLA) 2002 it to the list server. For example, a BLA could e- conference, a number of BLAs noted that some mail the message “Important information has The Auxiliary will continue publicizing the of the Auxiliary’s public education been added to our website; please visit our website availability of this resource, using all the presentations were not consistent with current to get the specifics. Please incorporate this into channels at its disposal. Further, the Boating state laws. Furthermore, a discussion ensued your boating classes.” The USCGAUX list server Department’s state liaison officers will visit relative to how the USCGAUX instructors would automatically forward the BLA’s message with every BLA and work with them to ensure received the information in their presentations. to all registered participants. Files may be that the system is used and all registered It became obvious that there was a problem attached to the messages as well. (It is boating safety instructors are notified. with information flow, in spite of the fact that

NASBLA small craft advisory • may/jun 2004 • page 6 Advisory Council Seeks to Increase Life Jacket Wear

An advisory group to the U.S. Coast Guard wants to double • Commends West Marine and BoatU.S. Foundation for the wear rate of personal flotation devices (PFDs) by 2007. testing and recalling faulty emergency position The National Boating Safety Advisory Council (BSAC) met indicating radio beacons (EPIRBs) April 23-27, 2004, in Norfolk, Va. The Council discussed a wide range of other recreational One of the most discussed and debated resolutions dealt boating safety issues, including: with increasing PFD wear. The approved resolution calls on • A definition of "whitewater" the Coast Guard to convene a working panel of interested • Status of the 17-character hull identification number parties – personal flotation device manufacturers, boat • 65 mph top speed agreement between the Coast Guard manufacturers, marine retailers, state law enforcement and PWC manufacturers officials, boating education groups and the media. This • Safe and convenient flare disposal working panel would be tasked with developing a plan to • Coast Guard’s factory visit program initiate industry-wide cooperation in promoting the wear of PFDs while boating. NASBLA President Fred Messmann, boating law administrator (BLA) for Nevada and a BSAC member, The resolution directs the Coast Guard to initiate similar updated the Council on NASBLA work undertaken this year. efforts with specialty boating groups to include hunters, California Boating Law Administrator Ray Tsuneyoshi serves anglers and paddlers. The Council also set a goal and a as chairman of the Council’s Prevention through People timeline for increasing PFD wear. The ultimate goal is 44 Subcommittee, which produced all the recommended percent wear rate through the 2007 boating season. actions regarding mandatory PFD wear and boating safety education. In addition to Messmann and Tsuneyoshi, other A resolution was adopted requiring proof of boating safety BLAs in attendance representing the states were Randy course certification. The Council advised the Coast Guard to Edwards, Iowa; Ed Carter, Tennessee; Bill Engfer, Wisconsin; seek statutory authority that would require a boat operator, and Ted Woolley, Utah (serving until his replacement is on waters subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, to appointed by the Secretary). possess a certificate showing completion of an instructional course or its equivalent, which meets the NASBLA National The National Boating Safety Advisory Council was Boating Education Standards and the elements of the established by the Federal Boat Safety Act of 1971. The law NASBLA Model Act for Mandatory Boating Safety requires the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Education. Commandant of the Coast Guard by delegation to consult with the Council in prescribing Federal regulations and Three subcommittees, made up of Council members, regarding other major boating safety matters. examine issues and present recommendations to the full Council for consideration. In doing this a number of The Council consists of 21 members drawn equally from additional resolutions were adopted by the Council: state officials responsible for boating safety programs (boating law administrators); representatives of the boating • Requests the USCG promote usage of unconditionally industry; and representatives of national recreational approved Type I and Type II PFDs for children weighing boating organizations and the general public. The Secretary less than 50 lbs. In addition, if there is a demonstrated of Homeland Security appoints NBSAC Members. The need for PFDs with Type III performance for children of Director of Operations Policy in Coast Guard Headquarters is less than 50 lbs for special activities, such as water the Council's sponsor. skiing, the resolution requests that they only be conditionally approved. The Council holds two meetings a year, usually in April and • Requests the USCG seek alternative funds and October. Meetings are open to the public, and meeting organizations to address a study of navigation lighting times, location and agenda are published in the Federal on barges. Register. Solicitations for nominations for membership on • Commends National Institute of Occupational Safety the Council are also published in the Federal Register. The and Health and Jane McCammon for their work with Council has consistently provided invaluable advice to the the Coast Guard in identifying carbon monoxide Coast Guard on a broad range of boating safety matters. related boating fatalities and their work in promoting the issue with boating safety groups.

NASBLA small craft advisory • may/jun 2004 • page 7 Expanding Volunteer Program Takes Safety Message to Kids

By Randy Henry, Oregon State Marine Board

The stories begin trickling in each spring, as families go camping or boating or settle in for a The Oregon State Marine Board’s Junior Boater Program made its debut at the Portland Boat Show in 2003 and was repeated with success in 2004. As parents look at quiet day beside the water. In an instant, they the general Marine Board display, their children are fitted with life jackets, taught how to get in and out of an unstable boat, and practice throwing a type IV flotation lose track of a child – and sometimes the results device. Photos courtesy Oregon State Marine Board are tragic. The reality drives many of Oregon’s marine law enforcement officers and Oregon "In Oregon, it’s very much a team effort," says program called ‘April Pools Days’ in the State Marine Board staff to dedicate time to Bill Rydblom, law enforcement administrator Portland Metro Area." youth water safety education. for the State Marine Board. "The Marine Board provides curriculum and Massey and her cadre of volunteers used support materials to inflatable boats, life jackets and various marine officers and activities to teach the basics of boating and encourages them to water safety. "The great thing is that the kids provide an effective are eager to learn but the parents walk away water safety message in with such important information, too." their community. Officers addressed more Junior Boater made its debut at the Portland than 40,000 students Boat Show in 2003 and was repeated with during the 2002-03 success in 2004. As parents look at the general school year." Marine Board display, their children are fitted with life jackets, taught how to get in and out Youth water safety has of an unstable boat, and practice throwing a become an integral part type IV flotation device. To top it off, youth of the Marine Board’s ages eight to 14 ran radio-controlled boats general outreach efforts, through "Lake Oregon," which featured an too. Ashley Massey, the island, dock, rocks, wing dams and other Marine Board’s hazards. The Junior Boater activity center has mandatory boater become one of the most popular youth-focused education coordinator, displays at the boat show. continues to expand the state’s Junior Boater Massey plans to continue developing the Junior Program, using Boater program and expand its availability volunteer instructors to throughout the state. Marine officers and take water and boating volunteer instructors can check out Junior safety activities into local Boater kits for safety fairs in their own local communities. communities.

"The Junior Boater "It’s so rewarding," says Massey. "After one of program is comprised of my Junior Boater courses at a local daycare, a eight fun, hands-on young child approached me with his life jacket activities designed for on and said, ‘Now I know enough to get my kids," said Massey. "We dad to wear one.’ Safety runs in the family. take it into schools, Junior Boater has become an important part of clubs and any other keeping Oregon’s youth — and maybe even venue where we have an their parents — safe around the water." The Junior Boater activity center has become one of the most popular youth-focused displays at the boat show. One opportunity to discuss popular hands-on activity is "Lake Oregon." Here, children ages eight to 14 maneuver radio-controlled boats around an water safety. This spring island, dock, rocks, wing dams and other hazards. we participated in a

NASBLA small craft advisory • may/jun 2004 • page 8 Keeping Kids Safe By Kimberly Hermes

From car seats to bicycle helmets to baby gates, While knowing how to swim greatly decreases Boating Safety. "Children customarily wear parents and guardians take precautions to a child’s risk of drowning, wearing a personal protective gear when rollerblading, protect their children from accidents and flotation device (PFD), or life jacket, cuts the skateboarding and bicycling, and similar injuries. These precautions should not stop at risk virtually to zero. precautions are in order on the water. The life water’s edge. Parents must remain extra jacket rule was created to make sure there is a watchful while boating with their children. State law makers realized this, and by late 1995 life jacket rule in all states." 26 states had enacted statutes requiring Clear Danger: A National Study of Childhood children to wear life jackets while aboard Technological advances have made it possible Drowning and Related Attitudes and Behaviors recreational vessels. By 2001, 40 states and to create personal flotation devices that territories had adopted such statutes. children actually want to wear. Rather than the hot, bulky, uncomfortable offerings available to Coast Guard statistics support the past generations of boaters, today’s life jackets effectiveness of these laws. The look better, feel better and provide increased number of deaths by drowning among protection. children under age 13 decreased from 27 in 1995 to 10 in 2001. In "From a historical perspective, life jackets have addition, the drowning death rate of evolved from a commodity piece of safety children in boating accidents was equipment in the ’50s and ’60s, to a stylized, lower in states with child PFD wear brightly colored piece of safety equipment in regulations than in those without. the ’70s and ’80s, to a customized garment in the ’90s, and finally to a consumer responsive Despite these laws, between 1995 and choice for safety in the new millennium," said 2001, 121 children under the age of Susan Balistreri, president of Balistreri 13 drowned while boating. Most of Consulting Inc. these fatalities could have been prevented if the child had been Parents can choose from a wide variety of wearing a properly fitted life jacket. children’s life vests and jackets, many with colorful cartoon characters or cool graphics in In support of the states’ ongoing attractive colors to make them more appealing. Photo by Tim Smalley, MN Department of Natural Resources Smalley, Photo by Tim efforts to improve boating safety, the Infant life vests are also available, many of U.S. Coast Guard created a rule which feature "heads-up" collars and leg straps (April 2004) states that drowning remains the requiring children to wear life jackets. Effective for full protection. second leading cause of injury-related death Dec. 23, 2002, the rule requires that all among children ages 1 to 14. children under 13 years of age wear Coast Also available for today’s young boaters are Guard-approved life jackets while aboard swimwear flotation devices, such as the Aqua Childhood drownings and near-drownings can recreational vessels under way, except when the Force® suit. Classified as a Type V PFD, Aqua happen in a matter of seconds. They typically children are below decks or in an enclosed Force® is the first children’s swimwear flotation occur when a child is left unattended or during cabin. device to be approved by the Coast Guard. a brief lapse in supervision. This rule affects only those states that have not Swimwear flotation devices serve the dual Drownings among children declined 40 established requirements – by statute or rule – purpose of swimwear and life jacket. Worn like percent from 1987 to 2001, according to the for children to wear life jackets. For those states a swimsuit, the device uses strategically placed national study. U.S. Coast Guard statistics with such requirements, the Coast Guard rule foam blocks to maintain the wearer’s buoyancy show that boating-related drownings among recognizes and adopts the existing state and balance in the water. children have experienced a similar decline. In regulation, even if it is less stringent. 1995, 27 children (ages 0-12) died as a result of With today’s options in personal flotation drowning in boating-related accidents. In "Statistics show that life jackets save lives – but devices, our children should be safer than ever 2002, that number decreased to 13 children. only when they are worn," said Capt. Scott on the water – but only if they wear their life jackets! Evans, chief of the Coast Guard’s Office of WATER SAFETY TIPS: • Children should learn to swim. Enroll them in swimming lessons taught by qualified instructors when they are ready, usually after age 4. If you don’t know how to swim, enroll with your kids! • Adults and kids over age 13 should learn infant and child CPR. • Always wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal safety device around oceans, rivers, lakes or when participating in water sports. • Always swim with a buddy. Swimming alone is very dangerous. • Know how to use rescue equipment and where emergency phone numbers are located.

Source: National Safe Kids Campaign

NASBLA small craft advisory • may/jun 2004 • page 9 Safety Board to Hold Forum on Personal Flotation Devices

The National Transportation Safety Board will Engleman Conners. "A public forum will be an No state requires PFD wear for all occupants. hold a public forum to discuss mandatory wear excellent mechanism to bring together agencies Yet six years of observational studies by the of personal flotation devices (PFDs), or life and organizations to identify solutions that will Coast Guard show that less than five percent of jackets, on recreational boats, NTSB Chairman improve public safety in recreational boating." adults in open boats wear PFDs. Ellen Engleman Conners has announced. The one-day forum will begin at 9:00 am on August Coast Guard statistics show that 750 boaters Issues to be discussed at the forum include: 25, 2004 at the NTSB Academy in Ashburn, Va. died in 2002. Eighty-five percent of those who • the impact of federal and/or state drowned were not wearing PFDs, even though legislation mandating wearing of PFDs The purpose of the forum is to gather all in many cases, PFDs were aboard. These on recreational boats; available data and to promote an open and statistics have been consistent from year to year • various vessels and type of operation that informative discussion of policy issues related and Coast Guard statistics show that should be included in or exempted from to mandatory PFD use. The Safety Board has a approximately 450 lives could be saved each mandatory wear rules; long history of working to improve recreational year if the victims wore PFDs. The Safety • new PFD technology; and boating safety. It has been on the Board’s "Most Board wants to build on this information and • alternatives to mandatory wear rules. Wanted" list of transportation safety other data available to evaluate the safety Registration details for the forum and improvements since its inception in 1990. benefits of mandatory wearing of PFDs on directions to the Academy may be found on the recreational boating. Board’s website at www.ntsb.gov. "The Board has made a solid commitment to advance recreational boating safety by all means Currently, most states require PFD wear for available to our agency," said Chairman children and for personal watercraft operators.

CALL FOR PAPERS ON Mandatory Use of PFDs on Recreational Boats

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is seeking If you wish to present a paper, please submit it papers that include facts and data relevant to legislating electronically in MS Word format no later than August 2, the mandatory use of personal flotation devices (PFDs) on 2004 to [email protected]. Please include the name of recreational boats. your organization and contact information. You will be notified if your paper is selected. Submitted papers should address some or all of the following questions: PAPER SUBMISSION FORMAT • Suggested length is no more than 10 pages • What would be the impact of federal and/or state • MS Word format is preferable legislation mandating wearing of PFDs on recreational • At the end of the paper, provide personal/business boats? Number of lives saved? Estimated compliance contact information rate? How enforceable would it be, and at what cost • Margins 1 inch left, right, top, bottom to boaters and enforcement agencies? • Paragraph indents and no space between paragraphs • What are the legal implications of such legislation? • Font: Times New Roman, 12 point What relationship would it have with existing • Heading all bold type in the following heading-type mandatory rules (children, PWC, cold water, water format: skiing, etc.)? FIRST • What type or length of vessel, or type of operation, Second should be included in or exempted from mandatory Third wear rules? • Has new technology changed PFD wearability to the Supplemental documentation may be submitted as an point where mandatory wear is practical? attachment. • Are there alternatives to mandatory wear rules? Be specific, including anticipated results supported by data to a reasonable degree of scientific certainty.

NASBLA small craft advisory • may/jun 2004 • page 10 KIDS AND BOATING: An Opportunity to Instill Lifelong Recreational Boating Safety Values

By Wayne Spivak, National Press Corps, United States Coast Guard Auxiliary

t is often said that a young mind is an Starboard, port, forward, aft – these simple Lastly, teaching your child how to use the radio impressionable one. There is great truth to terms are extremely important when describing will help them in school. Public speaking, Ithis saying, as countless academic studies an action in relation to a given boat. whether in front of a small class or on the radio, have proven that a young mind is like a sponge is a learned skill. Unfortunately, it usually isn’t – it will just keep soaking up knowledge. Using proper terminology can be life-saving for taught until college. By teaching your child to both the child and adult because it eliminates use the radio, you’re preparing him or her early While it’s important for these young minds to confusion. for public speaking. soak up knowledge about the "3 R’s" (reading, writing and arithmetic), for those who enjoy the water, or whose parents enjoy the water, Radio Procedures Basic Navigation there is no better time than to instill When I was a kid, we never had a radio in our Nothing could be worse than providing all the recreational boating safety values into those boats. They were just too expensive. But today, aforementioned training, and leaving out basic little adorable sponges. VHF radios of all kinds, sizes and dollar ranges navigation. All children (obviously age- abound. dependent) can be taught to read a chart, and, by using landmarks, to give an approximation PFDs That being said, ever listen to the marine radio of their current location. Some of my earliest memories about boating on a fine summer weekend? No, I’m not talking consist of my father and uncles on small row about the rude adults or those who need some By making boating education a game, you can boats. We’d go out fishing on small lakes radio manners and education. I’m talking instill more safety values in your children. The throughout upstate New York; a couple of oars, about the unsupervised children who get on the benefits will be twofold: Not only will your fishing rods, bait, tackle box, but I really don’t radio because they see it as a cool toy. children be safe on the water but they’ll also remember any life jackets. I do remember gain real-life experience in skills they may not mostly having a single worn-out cushion. Educating our children on the "who, what, be exposed to in school for several years. Whether it floated, or was a flotation device, I where and why" of radio procedures can benefit couldn’t say. recreational boating safety in several ways. First, it gets the kids off the radio. Second, should Safety Equipment Today, even if there weren’t a federal law in your child ever need to use the radio, they will Lastly, and certainly not least, we should teach place, we as adults should be our children about the safety instructing our children on equipment on our boats. The fire the need to wear personal extinguisher, flares, whistles, flotation devices (PFDs). For mirrors, and the radio are all items those of us who do a lot of that should not be foreign to them. boating, think about Remember, even though they are spending a few extra bucks young, they are a member of the and getting a PFD which is crew, and they can be crucial to as comfortable and bulk less observing and avoiding dangerous as possible. situations.

And don’t forget snazzy! Teach your child how a fire Children are style conscious. extinguisher works. Teach them the If you ever walk around ABC’s of fire fighting. Have them docks where there are kids, practice with an extinguisher. You you’re bound to hear may never know when this complaints about wearing experience can come in handy, their PFDs. The old style whether on the boat or in the horseshoe Type II jackets just Photo courtesy Oregon State Marine Board kitchen. don’t cut it with today’s aspiring child stars. However, a sporty Type II or Type III jacket know how, and both the Coast Guard and Teach them about flares, the dangers with psychedelic colors or hearts on them will others who listen to Channel 16 will hear a and the benefits of using them properly. Teach get the kids excited. difference in tone – and quality of information. them how and when to use them and, most of all, that a flare is NOT A TOY. Side stepping Proper use of nautical terminology helps in this this issue is dangerous. Ask any police officer Nautical Terminology area. Using proper terminology and radio about how they’ve taught their children about Here again is an easy way to increase your procedure can be crucial in "trusting" the (not) handling their firearms, and that they are child’s educational quotient while at the same information the child is giving. anything but a toy. time instilling information that can serve to increase the safety of all aboard a boat.

NASBLA small craft advisory • may/jun 2004 • page 11 permitting) but are fully knowledgeable about the operation of both vessel and recreational boating safety.

The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary can assist in this process. The volunteer organization has several programs available for children, such as Boating Fun (4-9 year-olds), and Waypoints

Photo courtesy U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (10-12 year-olds). Many of the older children (9 years old and up) take Teach your children about whistles and Children are never too young to learn. It is just Boating Safely with their parents. mirrors, which should be attached to their how we go about teaching them recreational PFDs. Tell them, show them and practice with boating safety that is the difference. Make a For more information, please contact your local them. Teach them not only about using safety game of each lesson. Make it enjoyable. As they Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla. You can find equipment but also be sure to cover man- get older, add more and more information, so them by contacting your local Coast Guard overboard drills. by the time they become teenagers, they are not unit or on the web at www.uscgaux.org.

only able to take the boat out (local law

BOATERS WITH CLASS oaters who have taken a boating we panic," said Jan Larsen. "We knew • How to file a float plan Bsafety class dramatically increase what to do, and we owe that • Fueling and boat maintenance their odds of surviving a boating confidence absolutely to the boating • Navigation rules accident. safety class we took." • Navigation lights • Safe boat operation Take the case of Jan and Lorrie Larsen. During the practice drill, they had • Casting off and docking The couple was boating on walked through the entire evacuation • Anchoring Washington’s Puget Sound when they process. Jan Larsen says it was a good • Legal requirements hit a log that knocked a hole in their thing that he had familiarized himself • What to do in emergencies engine room. with the davits. Thanks to their boating safety course, the Larsens also For more information on boating "We had very little time to get off the knew how to send out a distress call. classes, call the Boating Safety boat," Lorrie Larsen said. "As soon as I Courseline at 1.800.336.BOAT (2628) or opened up the hatch and saw the U.S. Coast Guard statistics confirm the the U.S. Coast Guard Infoline at water, I knew." importance of boating education to 1.800.368.5647. The U.S. Coast Guard boaters’ survival. Approximately 80 Auxiliary and the United States Power The Larsens discovered just how percent of all reported fatalities Squadrons® also offer boating safety quickly accidents can happen. But they occurred on boats where the operator classes. Remember, You’re in remained remarkably calm as their had not received boating safety Command. Boat Safely! boat rapidly sank. Only the day before, instruction. they had practiced an emergency – U.S. Coast Guard Office evacuation drill recommended by their Here are just a few of the things of Boating Safety instructor in a boating safety course boaters can learn in a boating class: they’d just completed. "At no time did • Types of boats

NASBLA small craft advisory • may/jun 2004 • page 12 Sea Scouting Teaches Boating Safety While Developing Leadership, Confidence By Kimberly Hermes

Considered by many the best-kept secret in Boy Nearly 7,000 youth participate in Sea Scouting No boating background is required, just a Scouts, the Sea Scout program offers youth a as members of 570 troops, called ships, strong desire to learn and a willingness to chance to have fun and learn at the same time. nationwide. They join the program for various operate as a team. Everything else is taught. reasons, including those who are from Instead of building campfires and identifying traditional scouting programs and those who "The kids run the boats, the older people just animal tracks, these Scouts learn boat handling, are looking for something different. direct you and tell you what to do," said Ryan piloting, navigation, reading weather and even Bray of Campbell, a Sea Scout who has been some nautical knot tying. "Sea Scouts is the largest recreational boater with his ship, the SSS Challenger based in education program for youth," said Jimmie California, for just over a year. In addition, the Sea Scouts, the oldest division of the Boy Homburg, national commodore for the Boy scouts do all of the cooking, as well as routine Scouts of America, was founded in the United Scouts of America. maintenance such as checking the engine, while States in 1912, two years after the on their two-hour watch. But parents need not establishment of the Boy Scouts. It offers both Open to youth ages 14 to 20, the program worry—an adult skipper is aboard and boys and girls an aquatic alternative to the offers participants the chance to learn to sail, everything is under control. outdoor experience. row, set sails, dock and keep a boat in shape; they can cruise local waters or go on long "On the first day, my parents were a little iffy, Like all scout programs, Sea Scouting uses an cruises far from home. They can learn to scuba, but they came and met our skipper and after attractive venue, which boating provides, go camping, take part in social events and that they were very comfortable. They love it, coupled with compelling activities — in this participate in tours, regattas, excursions, and too," says Kyle Northend of San Jose. case, nautical skills — to foster confidence, seamanship contests. They also develop teach management, develop leadership and maritime skills that can lead to careers later on. For more information about the Sea Scout instill character. program, visit www.seascout.org.

SEA SCOUT SHIP HONORED WITH BOATU.S. NATIONAL FLAGSHIP AWARD

he oldest Sea Scout Ship in the develop character, commitment and on December 30, 2002. They spent Tnation, SSS 24 Jolly Roger of responsibility that will help these much of early 2003 restoring the Houston, Texas is the newest winner youngsters achieve any goal in life," damaged boats and a newly of the BoatU.S. Sea Scout National he said. donated boat. SSS 24 Jolly Roger is Flagship Award, presented at the also the first Flagship Award Boy Scouts of America National Scouts in SSS Jolly Roger, sponsored recipient that sails a small boat fleet Annual Meeting in Chicago, IL. The by St. Stevens United Methodist — no vessel is larger than 24 feet. award, created in 2002 by BoatU.S., Church, conducted 48 days of on- the nation's largest recreational the-water activities last year. Its crew "Our ship is like a long rope, boating organization in honor of participated in 11 scouting events reaching all the way back to our the 90th anniversary of Sea and contributed hundreds of hours founding in 1923," said Skipper Chris Scouting, recognizes excellence in of community service. Three of the Skeen, the group's adult leader. program quality, youth achievement ship's 28 crew earned achieved "Each Scout is a single fiber that and adult commitment. Quartermaster status last year, the twists together with their shipmates Eagle equivalent for Sea Scouting. to form that rope. They overlap and "Sea Scouts are tomorrow's young pull together to share the load. Our leaders of recreational boating," The Ship also has overcome great group of adult volunteers share the said BoatU.S. Chairman and Founder, adversity. A tornado nearly vision, and have worked hard to Richard Schwartz. "Sea Scouts destroyed its three training vessels continue our traditions," he said.

NASBLA small craft advisory • may/jun 2004 • page 13 Water, Boating Safety and Clark Bicentennial. Taking place at key locations along the expedition’s route, the signature events typically involve re- Remain in Forefront enactments, native encampments, historical pageants, programs on native culture then and now, crafts and foods of the era, speeches and During Bicentennial Commemoration seminars, musicals, parades, and marching bands. July 4, 1804, marked the first Independence excursion began on January 18, 2003, with Day observance west of the Mississippi. approximately 3,500 people attending the Promoting Water and Boating Safety official kickoff event at Monticello, Thomas The signature events have been drawing large Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, along Jefferson’s home in Virginia. crowds of observers, including a large number with the fifty people traveling with them, of individuals who want to get out on the celebrated the day by firing the keelboat’s swivel In the year and a half since the launch of the water. These boaters come from all walks of life cannon on the banks of the Missouri River just commemoration, a group of re-enactors has and have widely varying degrees of education outside Atchison, Kansas, and enjoying an been retracing the explorers’ path. They’ve and skills. More than 20 federal and state extra ration of whiskey. traveled from Virginia to Missouri and Kansas, agencies, private and nonprofit organizations, following the original water route as closely as and American Indian tribes are working possible. The re-enactors will together on coordinating these events. "we passed a Creek on the South Side ... and as it continue the journey through Nebraska and Iowa, South Dakota, has no name & as it is the 4 of July, Capts name "This is an excellent opportunity for agencies North Dakota and Montana, to work together to leverage their resources to it Independence Creek we fired our Bow piece this Idaho, Washington and on to the get messages distributed," said Patti Williams, a morning & one in the evening for Independance coast of Oregon. Lewis and Clark coordinator with the U.S. of the U.S. ... we camped in the pla[i]ns one of the Army Corps of Engineers. "This also opens the From Monticello, Virginia to Fort potential to keep the lines of communication most beautiful places I ever saw in my life, open Clatsop, Oregon, hundreds of open for other projects." and beautifully Diversified with hills & vallies all events commemorating the Lewis and Clark expedition are scheduled presenting themselves to the River." While the agencies are addressing numerous through 2006. issues – including cultural, tribal John Ordway environmental concerns – a focus for boating Fifteen of the events have been safety advocates is the safety of the boaters July 04, 1804 designated "signature events" by attending the various events. These agencies the National Council of the Lewis have been using various means to promote This year’s Independence Day will boating and water safety. be celebrated with a bit more panache in the Greater Kansas City "Lewis and Clark did not lose anyone to area. The event will include a drowning, and we are trying to reproduce soaring air show, a multi-voiced those results," said Williams. reading of the Declaration of Independence and spectacular One such effort to educate boaters in the displays of fireworks along the Northwest since the commemoration will Missouri River. reach that part of the country next summer. In anticipation of the upcoming water-based Why all the excitement? In events, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers addition to marking our nation’s has developed a partnership to promote 228th year of freedom, the Fourth safety. of July holds extra significance this year as the 200th anniversary of The Northwest Discovery Water Trail has Lewis and Clark’s journey through existed for generations. In fact, Lewis and this part of the country on their Clark put it on the map, explained quest to find the Northwest Williams. This is an effort to put the trail Passage. back on the map and remind boaters that it’s available. The water trail extends through Between 1803 and 1806, President three states – Idaho, Washington and Jefferson’s Corps of Discovery Oregon. traveled thousands of miles in unknown territory, encountering A main component of the initiative is the people, wildlife and terrain no U.S. development of the Northwest Discovery citizen had ever seen. Historians Water Trail Journal. Geared toward boaters have published numerous in Idaho, Washington and Oregon, the chronicles of the journey, scientists journal will be a sourcebook including have marveled at the discoveries information on water and boating safety, and sociologists have analyzed its weather, commercial traffic, tribal nations significance in the centuries since and cultural resources and so on. Plans are to the expedition. In an effort to promote water and boating safety during the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial have the sourcebook completed this Commemoration, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has designed a series of four Lewis and Clark- summer. The bicentennial commemoration themed boating safety posters. These clay-animation images deliver key water safety messages in an of the Corps of Discovery’s amusing link to our past and are aimed at boaters of all ages. Image courtesy U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

NASBLA small craft advisory • may/jun 2004 • page 14 Zebra Mussels Could Infest More Waters During Bicentennial Commemoration

The discovery of The zebra Recreational boaters who don’t carefully clean juvenile zebra mussel moves to their boats may unknowingly transport the mussels below two new locations by zebra mussel from infested lakes and streams to Missouri River sticking to boat uninfested waters. This species can live outside dams in South hulls, fittings, of the water for at least five days, which is Dakota has plants, and other plenty of time to hitchhike on a boat being Western water surfaces. trailered from Ohio to Montana, for example. officials worried about a possible infestation by this harmful species. Kansas Biologists on Alert for They’re asking boaters visiting the West for the ZEBRA MUSSELS Lewis and Clark Photo courtesy USGC/Center for Aquatic Resources Studies Bicentennial to be Boaters and anglers across Kansas samplers are an effective tool in early vigilant about may discover something new in their detection of veliger (microscopic keeping their boats clean. favorite lakes this year. In an attempt zebra mussel larvae) settlement. Lake to prevent the spread of zebra users are asked to leave these The zebra mussel is an exotic nuisance species mussels, Kansas Department of samplers alone. native to the Caspian region of western Russia. It was most likely brought to the United States Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) biologists in the late 1980s in the ballast water of a have installed zebra mussel Zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) foreign vessel. The zebra mussel damages monitoring equipment in waters are freshwater, bivalve mollusks that ecosystems, native fish, and shellfish and has across the state. The monitors are typically have a dark and white caused millions of dollars in damage to water intakes and pipes in 20 states in the East and Midwest. intended for early detection of zebra striped pattern on their shells and mussels. attach to hard surfaces. Zebra mussels Until the discovery of juvenile zebra mussels in have been discovered in El Dorado El Dorado Reservoir in Kansas and parts of South Dakota last year, the zebra mussel had These "samplers" are constructed of Reservoir, but there have been no not spread to Western waters. The discovery is PVC pipe and may be seen hanging new populations revealed to date. of particular concern because these mussels off docks or other structures may have been transported into the Missouri River by recreational watercraft. throughout a particular lake. The

Lewis and Clark Bicentennial BASICS FOR BOATERS Raises Concern About Spread of Invasive Mussel Description of zebra mussels How to prevent spread of zebra "Thousands of boaters from parts of the • a zebra mussel looks like a small mussels country where zebra mussels are common are heading to the West to recreate Lewis and clam with a D-shaped shell. • Inspect your boat and trailer. Clark’s expedition. Any one of them could Usually it has alternating dark and Remove all plants and animals; unknowingly cause a zebra mussel infestation," light stripes; • Drain your motor, live well, and said Fred Partridge of the Idaho Department of • can be up to two inches long, but bilge while on land; Fish and Game. "Waterways in North Dakota, ordinarily are about as big as your • Empty your bait bucket on land. Idaho, Montana, Washington and Oregon are fingernail; Never release live bait into a all at risk. • usually found attached to hard water body or transport aquatic surfaces in clusters; and animals from one water body to Millions of dollars are at stake because of the • young zebra mussels look like another; damage zebra mussels can cause. The species is black pepper and feel like • Rinse your boat, trailer and non-native, has few natural predators and sandpaper when attached to a equipment. High pressure hot reproduces very quickly. The danger lies in its boat surface water is best, but a garden hose sheer numbers and its ability to adhere to any will work; and solid surface. In infested waters, zebra mussels • Air dry your boat and equipment can create damage such as the following: for as long as possible. At least five days is optimal. • clog power plant and public water intakes and pipes, costing taxpayers millions of dollars; – Articles courtesy Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks • damage boat engines;

NASBLA small craft advisory • may/jun 2004 • page 15 • blanket entire shorelines with their sharp Marine Fisheries Commission, "so we need and marinas of the Missouri River have posted shells and foul smell; anyone who might come in contact with boats signs to alert those using the river to check their • consume available food for native species and to be our eyes and ears. Fishermen, people at boats before launching. smother native mussels; and gas stations, and people using lakes, marinas • threaten water-based recreational activities and beaches can all help by being lookouts." For more information on zebra mussels, visit www.protectyourwaters.net or www. "We can’t stop and inspect every boat coming In a further attempt to notify the public and 100thmeridian.org. west," said Stephen Phillips of the Pacific States boaters along the Missouri River, all boat ramps

Boating Discussed During International Conference on Safety in Transportation

Transportation safety advocates from around presentations and the world convened in Benevento, Italy for the speeches from the International Conference on Safety in Italians to alternate Transportation held March 13-19, 2004. with presentations from international The theme of the conference was safety and participants. security in transportation, with topics including: "This was NASBLA’s • Human trafficking first attendance at the • Policing international • Safety and Security in Infrastructures & conference," said Transportation NASBLA President • Transportation Safety of Hazardous & Fred Messmann. Nuclear Wastes "This was an • The Importance of Medical Response & Speed important in Saving Lives & Dealing with the Aftermath opportunity to share • Safety in the Water and the Economy transportation safety information with our With the exception of one closed session, the friends from other entire conference was televised in Italy. The countries. The sessions were structured to allow for presentations tied

Fred Messmann, president of the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (far right), and Craig Floyd, director of the Peace Officer Memorial (far left) interact with local schoolchildren during a field trip taken as part of the International Conference on Safety in Transportation held in Benevento, Italy. Photos by Ted Woolley, Utah Department of Public Safety

Student from several high schools attended the safety and security together conference to observe the proceedings. This regarding all modes of gave the speakers an opportunity to relay transportation." important messages about various aspects of transportation and safety to the youth of Italy. In addition to Messmann, those giving boating-related presentations Following the conference a smaller contingent included Barbara Byers, Canadian traveled to the southern part of Italy in the Safe Boating Council; Mark Calabria region, where they met local and Rosenker and Bill Gossard, National regional politicians and experienced local Transportation Safety Board; culture, food and the magnificent scenery in Veronica Floyd, Brunswick this part of Italy. They ended the trip in Rome Corporation; Bill Griswold, where they went to Parliament and met the National Safe Boating Council; Minority Leader and Vice President of the Patrick Helmsmoortel, International House of Deputies. Association of Marine Investigators; and Guiseppe Marino, Societa Messmann commented, "The warm reception Nazionale di Salvamento. by the Italian people and the opportunity to interact with enforcement counterparts were Messmann said that as a result of the tremendous rewards. I want to thank Elia conference, "the Italians are now Mannetta [advisor with the National Rescue working toward having a national Society of Italy] for hosting us and providing an safe boating day. They plan to tie it agenda that proved valuable for both sides of in with a new national holiday — the Atlantic." Ted Woolley, trainer with the Utah Department of Public Safety, discusses the benefits of bulletproof jackets Columbus Day." during a televised presentation at ICOSIT.

NASBLA small craft advisory • may/jun 2004 • page 16 boating BRIEFS

Congressional Waterways Caucuses Forming in House, Senate The Senate and House of Representatives are our nation’s extensive inland waterway Senate co-chairs of the new caucus include Sen. forming waterways caucuses to create a systems… is a top priority for every state Pete Domenici (R-NM), chairman of the collective voice within Congress on issues in the nation. We must do more to Energy and Water Development facing the waterways. expand shipping networks and maintain Appropriations Subcommittee, Sen. Kay Bailey canals and waterways that provide critical Hutchison (RTX), Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) Working together, the caucuses will identify flood control and irrigation services to and Sen. Blanche Lincoln (D-AR). House co- ways to highlight the importance of waterways, communities across the nation. Through chairs include Rep. Kenny Hulshof (R-MO), and provide a forum for examining legislative education and member outreach, the Rep. John Doolittle (R-CA), Rep. Gene Taylor and regulatory solutions to the challenges of Congressional Waterways Caucus will (D-MS) and Rep. Mike McIntyre (D-NC). the waterways. promote continued growth of our waterway systems and maintenance of The National Waterways Conference is The letter of invitation from the House existing infrastructure to ensure the long- working with the Waterways Caucus chairs to includes the following: term viability of a vast transportation design a series of educational forums for network, protection from flooding, and Congressional members and their staffs. "Maintaining and improving the continued water supply." economic and environmental benefits of

NMTA Offers RBFF Seeks Nominations Average Price for Money for Boating for Water Works New Boats Up

Programs Wonders Award The average price of a new boat in 2003 rose 3.3 percent from the previous year, according The Recreational Boating and Fishing to the National Marine Manufacturers The Northwest Marine Trade Association Foundation is seeking nominations from Association’s (NMMA) first Annual (NMTA) is seeking application letters from boating and fishing companies for its Water Recreational Boating Statistical Abstract. organizations requesting grant money to help Works Wonders Retailer and Manufacturer of fund their boating-related programs or events. the Year Awards. NMMA said the average price of a new boat was $12,611 in 2003. The NMTA’s $5,000 grant program was The Manufacturer of the Year Award will be established as part of the association's Grow presented at IBEX, to be held Oct. 25-27 at The statistical report compiles and organizes Boating program, which is aimed at increasing the Miami Beach Convention Center. recreational boating in the region. data collected by NMMA into a "package of market facts and figures" that "includes The RBFF said it would like to hear from those analysis of industry activity by sector, annual "There are many wonderful programs around having used any Water Works Wonders units and dollar sales." the Puget Sound that do a lot for boating," said materials – from the logos, imagery or Michael Campbell, NMTA president. "We’re customizable print and direct-mail templates Copies of the report will be available for hoping we can help grow some of those to the TV or radio ads. programs by providing needed support. We purchase to members and nonmembers. also are hoping we can help fund new Send color copies of electronic examples to programs that someone or some organization Monica Powell at [email protected]. Hard has not been able to start for lack of funding." copies can be sent to Monica Powell, RBFF, 601 N. Fairfax St., Suite 140, Alexandria, VA 22314. Organizations or individuals interested in applying for some or all of the $5,000 funds should submit a letter with the following information: West Virginia Governor Signs BUI/DUI Bill – A description of the program/event. – How the program/event is helping or will West Virginia Governor Bob Wise signed of the deaths that occur while motor boating help grow boating in the Northwest. Senate Bill 166, also called the DUI Bill. Now are alcohol related. If you plan to drink while – Amount of grant money requested. in effect, this law contains a provision that enjoying the waterways this boating season, lowers the legal blood alcohol content (BAC) please have a designated motorboat operator." Letters must be submitted to the Northwest from .10 to .08 for boaters. A BAC of .08 Marine Trade Association offices located at constitutes the offense of Operating a Conservation officers will be conducting BUI Mariners Square Motorboat Under the Influence. The portions checkpoints on all the major waterways during 1900 N. Northlake Way, #233, Seattle, WA of the bill regarding boating are almost the boating season, which is usually between 98103-9087, or by e-mailing [email protected] identical to the driving provisions. May 15 and September 15. However, periodic no later than June 30. patrols will also be conducted during other Colonel James D. Fields with the West Virginia times of the year. Division of Natural Resources said, "According to U.S. Coast Guard statistics, a vast majority

NASBLA small craft advisory • may/jun 2004 • page 17 Join Waterway Watch Discover Boating DVD Now Available

The U.S. Coast Guard needs your help with A new DVD produced by the National Marine expected to increase dramatically in the coming Homeland Security in the marine Manufacturers Association's (NMMA) months as Discover Boating starts to promote environment. The Coast Guard established Discover Boating program is available through the video online, in national boating America’s Waterway Watch as counter DiscoverBoating.com and at Discover Boating publications and at Discover Boating events terrorism public outreach effort to encourage events around the country. across the country, including the Discover everyone to serve as the eyes and ears on our Boating and Fishing Tour presented by Water nation’s waterways to detect and report The DVD is an interactive presentation that Works Wonders, which launched May 7 in suspicious activity. includes an 11-minute video to help consumers Baltimore. choose the right boat to fit their lifestyle, along The number to call when you see something with tips for getting started in boating and a NMMA also invites members, boat suspicious on our waterways is complimentary boater's education course manufacturers and dealers to help extend the 1.877.24.WATCH. (Call 911 directly in the produced by BoatSafe.com, accessible using a reach of the video by offering it to customers event of immediate threat or danger.) DVD-ROM. online. Interested companies can download a banner ad to promote the video to their Learn more about America’s Waterway Watch "The Discover Sailing video has been very customers. To download the banner, visit and how to become part of the Operation effective in promoting the benefits of sailing," http://www.discoverboating.com/dvd/promo.a Patriot Readiness III team by visiting www. said Discover Boating Director Steve Tadd. sp. uscgaux.org/~opr/op_waterway_watch.htm. "We think this video will help build confidence and empower consumers to make better boat- Tadd said the DVD campaign is being used to buying decisions." gather information and track consumer behavior, and that the results will be available More than 6,500 people have already pre- to the industry in the coming months. ordered the DVD at DiscoverBoating.com, and BoatU.S., Genmar the number of videos being distributed is Survey Women Boaters Tri-State Boating Safety Fair Genmar Holdings has teamed up with The boating season on the Colorado River got off checks, explained the dangers of excessive speed, BoatU.S. to learn more about women’s new to an early start with Arizona, California and educated visitors about carbon monoxide and boat research and buying experiences through Nevada officials working together for the Lake more. an online survey at www.boatus.com/women Havasu Tri-State Boating Safety Fair on May 1, at or www.womenmakingwaves.com. Lake Havasu State Park. Guests to the fair also had a chance to receive prizes such as ponchos, beach towels, visors, The survey should provide valuable feedback More than 2000 boaters participated in this event goodie bags, and life jackets as part of the 2004 on how boat dealers and manufacturers can – every one of which received a packet of boating Boating Safety Fair. better market and sell to women consumers. safety information. The states plan to make this an annual event. "It’s time for the boating industry to change Every local agency with boating enforcement longstanding marketing and sales habits to duties was invited to participate. Participating better draw – and retain – women boaters," agencies set up information says Elaine Dickinson, BoatU.S. assistant vice booths, conducted search Photo courtesy California Department of Boating & Waterways president. "Women are all too frequently and rescue demonstrations, ignored on the sales floor, whether it’s at a boat held boating safety quizzes, show or a dealership," she added. offered free vessel safety

Genmar’s Senior Vice President Marcia Kull said the survey results will be instrumental in understanding how women research a new Photo courtesy Arizona Game & Fish Department boat before purchasing and about their experiences at dealerships.

Kull leads Genmar’s Women Making Waves initiative. "Studies have shown that women are involved in the vast majority of family buying decisions and, more importantly, are almost always involved in deciding whether a family continues boating after the first purchase," Kull said.

Women completing the survey questions are able to view the results to date immediately upon submitting it. The results will also be available to other boating organizations or interested manufacturers.

NASBLA small craft advisory • may/jun 2004 • page 18 Discover Boating Tour Gets More Aggressive Ohio Releases

The Discover Boating Mobile Marketing Tour sign up for fishing clinics in their area," said Strategic Plan for is setting a more aggressive agenda for 2004 Tadd. with the goal of reaching more than 500,000 Boating people. The tour schedule is being developed, but the truck is already scheduled to return to The Ohio Department of Natural Resources During its inaugural campaign in 2003, the Minnesota and Kentucky state fairs. The (ODNR) Division of Watercraft has released National Marine Manufacturers Association popularity of these events last year has its Strategic Plan for Ohio Boating. This (NMMA) and Recreational Boating and encouraged the organizers to bring the publication presents a common vision that Fishing Foundation (RBFF) mobile marketing Discover Boating Mobile Marketing Tour to as enables the Division of Watercraft to provide tour reached nearly 300,000 people. many state fairs and water festivals as possible, programs and services that benefit Ohio’s according to NMMA. boaters. It provides the framework for agency "This year, the tour has been expanded and decision-making, budgeting and program enhanced," said Discover Boating Director The association also said it’s looking for evaluation. Steve Tadd. "The 2004 version of Discover partners, reminding the industry that the Boating’s Mobile Marketing tour features an earlier companies commit, the greater their The strategic plan was produced in a concerted Underwater Walkway and a Splash Theater. exposure. effort with participation from Ohio’s boaters Participants can also catch a Marlin on the and is a follow-up to The Ohio Department of popular fishing simulator and talk to local "This is an opportunity for businesses in the Natural Resources Division of Watercraft experts about boating and fishing resources in marine industry to directly reach hundreds of Strategic Plan for the Twenty-First Century their area and try out sponsors’ products." thousands of individuals with their messages," published in July of 1999. The agency used said NMMA Integrated Marketing Director information received from the boating public, Tadd also explained that as people exit the John Marcinek. the Waterways Safety Council, employees of truck, Discover Boating staff will talk with the department, and various organizations to them one-on-one to gauge their interest in For more information on sponsoring the identify the issues contained in the strategic plan. taking the next steps to becoming boaters and Discover Boating Mobile Marketing Tour, anglers. contact Marcinek at 312.946.06258; The publication is available online at [email protected]. www.ohiodnr.com/watercraft/about. "If they are qualified prospects, they can register for test drives with local dealers and Connecticut’s First Serious Boating Accident of Boating Deaths Drop the Year Involves Kayak in Michigan At approximately 1:30 p.m. on April 18, 2004, underwater, the force of the current in the river Lower water levels, fewer boaters on its lakes Connecticut Department of Environmental caused the kayaker’s personal flotation device and increased safety education combined to Protection (DEP) Conservation Officers (PFD) to be ripped off his body. The kayaker, a help Michigan reduce its number of boating received notification of a kayaking accident in 49-year-old male from Connecticut, was on an deaths in 2003 to 29 – the state's lowest total the Tariffville Gorge Area of the Farmington outing with the Appalachian Mountain Club. since 1999, according to a story in the Lansing River and responded to the scene of the Another kayaker from the group rescued him State Journal. accident. This marked the first serious boating by using a rope to pull the kayak away from the accident of 2004. abutment. There were 957,454 boats registered last year in Michigan – a six-year low, and 4.7 percent The report indicated that a kayak became The kayaker was sent by Life Star to Hartford fewer than the roughly 1 million the previous year. pinned against an abutment and rolled over, Hospital in critical condition. resulting in the kayaker being submerged in the "Boating is a luxury," said Jack Hohnke, water for a considerable amount of time. While manager of Boater's World Marine Center in Pontiac. "It's an expensive sport with a short season, and in this state, the economy's not Mississippi Marine Officers Rescue Missing Boater great. It's OK, but it's not great." The Mississippi Department of Marine help. The two boys were picked up by a passing And lower water levels in Michigan lakes may Resources Marine Patrol assisted in the search pilot boat. Two marine patrol officers were have also contributed to the fewer number of for the remaining missing boater after a father dispatched to the scene and began searching for boaters, as Lake St. Clair averaged 10 to 13 and his two sons entered the water when their the father using infrared night vision inches below normal in 2003, and Lake boat sank on April 8. equipment. The search was suspended at 2 a.m. Michigan is still down about 17 inches below and resumed at first daylight April 9. its normal, according to the State Journal. At 8:22 p.m. on April 8, the Marine Patrol received a call from the U.S. Coast Guard The successful search ended at 9:28 a.m. Friday The newspaper reported that a fourth of Station Gulfport asking for assistance locating a when a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter spotted Michigan's accidents occurred on the Great missing boater. A father and his two sons were Jeff Wallace, 45, about 3 miles south of Cat Lakes, nearly half on inland lakes and 80 near the Air Force Tower in the Mississippi Island. Wallace was airlifted from the water and percent during June, July and August, with the Sound when their boat sank. transported to the Gulfport Memorial most common type of accidental death coming Hospital. Wallace and his sons were all wearing from either falling overboard or capsizing.

The father helped his sons to safety, to Buoy life jackets. Marker 36 in the Gulfport ship channel, and then began swimming toward Ship Island for

NASBLA small craft advisory • may/jun 2004 • page 19 Kentucky’s First Boating Fatality of 2004 Florida Boat

Officers with The Kentucky Department of county coroner. There were no life jackets, or Registrations Soar Fish and Wildlife Resources Division of Law personal flotation devices (PFDs) on the boat Enforcement are investigating the death of a at the time of the accident. Florida set a new state record when the number New Liberty, Kentucky man after the canoe he of recreational vessel registrations soared to an was riding in capsized at about 3:15 p.m. on "You can't help but think that if there had been all-time high of 978,225 in 2003 (more than April 20 on Lower Thomas Lake in Northern a PFD available to this man that this tragedy 55,000 above the 2002 record of 922,597. The Kentucky. could have been averted," said KDFWR Law total in 2001 was 902,964). Enforcement Colonel David Casey. William A. "Tony" Otter, 21, was canoeing "Unfortunately, the fatality numbers increased with a friend when the craft overturned. The This is Kentucky’s first fatal boating accident of from 52 in 2002 to 64 in 2003," FWC friend, also ejected from the canoe, 2004. Last year 10 people died in boating assistant boating safety coordinator Lt. Kent communicated with Otter shortly after it accidents in the commonwealth. According to Harvey said. capsized, but upon swimming to shore Casey, at least one personal flotation device for discovered Otter was missing. each passenger is required on board any boat The leading cause of death in fatal boating while on the water. accidents was drowning (70 percent) followed Otter’s body was recovered in about 15 feet of by trauma (28 percent). water shortly after 4 p.m. Tuesday. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene by the "Forty-eight percent of reported accidents were caused primarily by either carelessness/inattention or violation of a navigation rule, and an astonishing 80 percent of the people involved in accidents were not Grow Boating Initiative Making Progress wearing life jackets," Harvey said. "Many deaths and injuries could have been prevented simply by exercising caution and by wearing a After more than 70 industry leaders met for Fourth Task Force Formed life jacket. nearly seven hours on March 20, 2004, A fourth task force was also created at the National Marine Manufacturers Association meeting. Its mission will be to deal with "Only 20 percent of operators and occupants President Thom Dammrich said progress improving the sales and service experience for involved in boating accidents were reported to continues on a plan to help grow boating. customers in the marine industry. be wearing life jackets at the time of the accidents, and 36 percent of those involved "I’m very pleased," Dammrich said. "In a nutshell, The task force has not yet been officially named reported they could not swim," Harvey said. we’re making progress toward a fall announcement." or a chairperson chosen, but Dammrich said the position would ultimately be filled by a Boating safety is one of the core responsibilities The meeting was the group’s second, following dealer. of the FWC Division of Law Enforcement. a gathering last fall in Chicago, co-sponsored FWC officers who are on Florida’s waterways by the NMMA, which discussed the problems The sales and service topic had been on the every day say statistics could be much better if facing the industry and possible solutions. As a agenda at the last October’s meeting, but people would observe the most basic safety result of that meeting, three task forces were although no action was taken at that time, guidelines. Accident numbers would improve established to address several of the concerns raised. Dammrich said the group decided that sales dramatically if boaters would take a boater and service was a "key issue" facing the education course, adhere to the basic Those task forces presented progress reports industry, and the decision to create the new navigation rules and stay sober. during the March meeting, and Dammrich task force was made. said the group, after hearing the presentations, "We want people to get out and enjoy Florida’s "indicated agreement with what each was All the task forces will be meeting regularly beautiful waterways, but we want them to be doing, and told them to keep moving forward." between now and this fall, but Dammrich said safe. Even though it’s crowded sometimes, the large group wouldn’t meet again until after there’s plenty of room for everyone if we’re the summer. careful and considerate," Harvey said.

BoatU.S. Foundation Receives Grant for Loaner Program

The BoatU.S. Foundation's Life Jacket Loaner resources to make boating safer for families, waterfront business locations for the day, Program for Kids will expand by 20 new and this latest effort gives us an ideal way to afternoon or weekend. About 40 additional lending sites across the United States thanks to work together toward a common goal." new loaner sites will be announced in May a grant from West Marine. The grant will cover 2004, bringing the nationwide total to over the costs for over 250 children's life jackets, as "We are committed to promoting boating 300 sites. For more information, go to well as signage to help boaters identify loaner safety, especially when it comes to children," www.BoatUS.com/Foundation. sites and registration materials to track usage. said Tom Carey, senior vice president of To date the program has saved at least three marketing for West Marine. "Drownings are a West Marine Inc. is the nation's largest children's lives and loaned out tens of leading cause of boat fatalities and this loaner specialty retailer of boating supplies and thousands of life jackets. program gives parents an easy way to keep their apparel, with 339 stores in 38 states, Puerto children safe." Rico and Canada. For more information, visit BoatU.S. Foundation President Ruth Wood www.WestMarine.com. said, "The BoatU.S. – West Marine strategic The Life Jacket Loaner Program loans out free alliance has really allowed us to combine kids' life jackets at launch ramps, marinas and

NASBLA small craft advisory • may/jun 2004 • page 20 partner PERSPECTIVES

Commodore Warren E. McAdams National Directorate Commodore for Recreational Boating Safety, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Encourage Kids to Lead the Way

This year, and beyond, the recreational boating safety community is engaged in a debate over the merits of mandatory like jacket wear for all recreational boaters. Even though recreational boating fatalities have decreased dramatically over the past several decades, results may have leveled off. To gain significant improvement, many are looking for the one or two initiatives that may make a step toward improvement in boating safety results.

Two areas that come readily to my mind are alcohol consumption and personal flotation device (PFD), or life jacket, wear.

Efforts to reduce or eliminate drinking while boating have been at a high, sustained level for several years. The hazards associated with alcohol consumption while boating have gained higher awareness levels in recent years. When accidents occur, media stories routinely speculate or report on any connection with alcohol. Beyond that, boating under the influence (BUI) laws continue to be tightened with regards to both levels of intoxication and penalties. While out for a day on the water, these Girl Scouts and their leaders exhibit an important safe boating habit -– wearing their life jackets. It’s been found that children are flexible and readily comply with life jacket wear requirements. Boating safety advocates are working toward increasing safety on the water by instilling safety habits With the efforts to reduce the effect of alcohol at a young age. Photo courtesy U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary consumption on boating safety well under way, the wear of life jackets is the next logical area to receive greater attention. Since adult behavior is often exhibited as "Do Beyond routine wear, children’s fun on the as I say, not what I do," perhaps we can gain water tends to involve activities, such as skiing Several incidence-wear studies have been progress through kids while the debates rage and tubing, which require life jacket wear in completed in various countries. In addition, a on. There is a growing amount of legislation on any case. Of course, in these activities other greater emphasis has been placed on life jacket the books aimed at youthful boaters, and factors such as impact resistance have to taken wear in accident reporting. And, the media has greater consensus is likely to come. So, while into consideration. noticed the importance of mentioning PFD we argue the merits of changing adult behavior, wear, or the lack thereof, in stories on fatalities. we have an opportunity to grow the future For youth (and adult) classes a variety of PFD generations of boaters with better safety habits. options should be presented. The National Safe Just this past year a massive research paper on Boating Council has for sale an instructor kit PFD wear was published in Canada. The In youth education classes, and on the water, that provides training aids for basic boating report, titled "Will it Float? Mandatory PFD we find that children are fairly flexible and safety classes. The kit contains a basic but Wear Legislation in Canada," added readily comply with PFD wear requirements. useful sampling of PFDs. Various Operation considerable weight to the debates. The report And, while adults do not pay enough attention BoatSmart coordinators have a PFD collection is just under 300 pages and is available from a to their own PFD requirements, parents are available for boat shows and other public affairs variety of sources. (Editor’s note: The report somewhat attuned to finding comfortable and events. Some boating safety class presenters use "Will It Float?" is posted on the Canadian Safe good-looking PFDs for their children. PFDs on loan from marine dealers or other Boating Council website at http://www.csbc.ca/.) retail outlets. With the pace that new styles of In youth classes, trying on PFDs and modeling PFDs are being introduced, we have many The question of mandatory PFD wear in this them for the class is always a big hit for kids. PFD options to present to the boating public. country has already led to a number of rather However, it is no longer sufficient coverage to heated and divisive discussions. The only safe show up with a bunch of Type II orange Mandatory PFD wear for all boaters is a tough prediction is that it will take a significant horseshoe life jackets. To get a better message sell and may take a long time before period of time before anything resembling a across, instructors need to demonstrate a conclusions are reached. However, through consensus is reached in this debate area. variety of sizes and styles. As comfort factors education and awareness we can prepare kids to However, there seems to be agreement, ranging improve, acceptance by youthful boaters readily lead the way, now and into the future. from tacit to enthusiastic, that more effort increases. Also, if a measure of "cool" can be should be aimed at improving voluntary wear rates. achieved, the acceptance is even greater.

NASBLA small craft advisory • may/jun 2004 • page 21 coast guard COMMENTS

Capt. Scott Evans Chief, Office of Boating Safety Children’s Safety Top Priority While many recreational boating issues are the Situations such as this support the necessity for like adults. Their body weight is not distributed subject of much discussion and some child personal flotation device (PFD) equally. differences of opinion, we all agree that our regulations. The Under-Thirteen Rule for children’s safety must always come first. As mandatory PFD wear was the Coast Guard’s Children tend to be top heavy, and some life parents and as boating safety professionals, we best answer to assist the states in getting a jackets may invert them in the water. If the have a duty and responsibility to keep our most regulation in place where there was difficulty in child is not coordinated enough to assist in precious assets safe. As with almost any getting one, or to assist in enforcement of a remaining upright, he or she can get into environment, water holds certain potential state regulation already in place. The bottom trouble fast in the wrong style life jacket. dangers. The key to protecting our children is line is together we’re placing our youth in life to be aware of these potential dangers and how jackets and saving their lives. Other behaviors can put children at risk on to prevent the dangers from placing them at risk. boats. Children should sit in seats when on Speaking of life jackets and children, do you see boats, or in the case of boats without seats, they I would like to thank Vann Burgess, our children in life jackets that don’t fit? Do the should sit along the center and as low as program development analyst, for contributing jackets look too big, too small, or are they the possible. They should never sit on the backs of information and invaluable input for this article. right size? Can you tell by looking? The answer seats or on the gunwales. to the last question is "no." The only way to tell The most basic protection from risk is if a child’s life jacket is the right fit and type for The only time a child should ride in the bow of knowledge. We always talk to boat operators their body shape is to do a fit test. a boat is when the boat is designed with seats in and encourage them to take a safe boating the bow. Even when a railing is present, course. Why not take our children to the First, we have to understand the basic problem children should not be allowed to "bow ride." classes? Granted, some courses are not tailored with child-size PFDs. Up until the last few Boats are subject to sudden movement which to young ones, but all are geared toward the years, child-size PFDs were nothing more than can throw a child overboard. The last thing you teenager level. We have many states that teach downsized adult PFDs. The problem is that want any parent, sibling or friend to go through boating and water safety classes in their middle children aren’t built like adults. From shoulders is to have to live with the guilt of a death that schools. The Coast Guard Auxiliary, United to knees children are pretty much a straight was avoidable. States Power Squadrons and American Red line. There are no bumps and curves to hold Cross have programs designed for the younger things in place. As a result, when a child hits One last thing. In the Office of Boating Safety elementary and preschool children. the water with any force, the life jacket can we often get calls from parents wanting to come flying off. The fix for this problem by the know if it is safe to take their newborn or infant Why teach the children? When properly manufacturers has been to add a strap that goes boating. The answer of course depends on educated, kids will understand the dangers and between the child’s legs. While this is a great fix several things. How big is the boat? How hopefully will stay clear of the danger areas. that works, many older model jackets out there experienced is the operator? Will someone be in Take seat belts for instance. When this big being used don’t have the strap. So we’re back to constant attendance of the child? Do you have national campaign first started, children were educating the parents to address the problem. a life jacket that properly fits the child? taught to always wear a seat belt and not to let their parents drive unless they were "buckled The fit test is relatively simple. First, check the Parents often state they have a car seat for the up for safety." So how many of us have heard label to ensure it is the right size based on the child and feel that should afford enough this remark from a preschooler in the backseat: weight of the intended wearer. Then place the protection. We must remind parents that a boat "Daddy, are you buckled up?" If we teach them child in the life jacket and tighten all closures is not a car. In most auto accidents if the car young and support it through their teenage and straps until snug. Next grab the jacket by flips over and the child is properly restrained, years, just imagine the boaters they will be as adults. the shoulders and lift straight up until the child the child is relatively safe. We all know what is off the ground. happens when a boat capsizes. Now imagine a While we can teach about the potential child strapped in a car seat that is secured to the dangers, what we can’t teach our youth is how to If the child’s mouth or nose falls below the boat. While there are steps we can take to react without panic when danger overtakes them. upper most edge of the jacket’s collar or minimize the risk to our children, parents need shoulder area, then the jacket does not fit. If the to be reminded that sometimes a baby sitter is Take this scenario, for example. A family is on child enters the water wearing such an ill-fitting the safer option. There will be plenty of the water enjoying a day of boating. The boat life jacket, his or her mouth and nose will be opportunities to go boating when the child is a strikes something in the water, capsizes and under water. It is also important that the child little older. suddenly everyone is in the water. The adults feel somewhat comfortable in the life jacket so and older teenagers surface and immediately that he or she is more willing to wear it. Our children depend on us for their safety. We look for something to hang on to that floats. have a duty to protect them. Working together They can assess the situation, think logically Another consideration for the very young is we can do our duty. and react. Younger children do not typically that the life jacket has a collar that supports the have the presence of mind to react in a similar head. Encourage parents to test the life jacket in manner. They may try to swim, but without the water in the safety of shallow water or a direction or the ability to reason, panic sets in swimming pool. Again, children are not built and they drown.

NASBLA small craft advisory • may/jun 2004 • page 22 NON-PROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID LEXINGTON, KY PERMIT NO. 850 1500 Leestown Road, Suite 330 Lexington KY 40511

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2004-2005 RECREATIONAL BOATING SAFETY CALENDAR

SEPTEMBER 2004 OCTOBER 2004 MARCH 2005 MAY 2005 2 - 5 9 - 12 5 - 9 15 - 18 U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary National Boating Safety Advisory Council International Association of Marine Investigators Western States Boating Administrators Association National Conference Washington, D.C. Annual Seminar Annual Conference Costa Mesa, California 202.267.0950 San Diego, California Helena, Montana [email protected] [email protected] 866.844.4264 406.444.0136 [email protected] [email protected] 6 - 12 20 - 24 United States Power Squadrons Canadian Sail & Power Squadrons 13 - 16 Fall Governing Board Meeting Annual Conference International Boating & Water Safety Summit Jacksonville, Florida Toronto, Ontario Newport Beach, California SEPTEMBER 2005 888.367.8777 416.293.2438 740.666.3009 17 - 21 [email protected] [email protected] NASBLA 11 - 15 Annual Conference NASBLA APRIL 2005 Portland, Oregon Annual Conference NOVEMBER 2004 859.225.9487 Chattanooga, Tennessee 7 - 11 30 - May 4 [email protected] 859.225.9487 Marine Retailers Association of America SSBLAA [email protected] Annual Convention Annual Meeting Las Vegas, Nevada Little Rock, Arkansas 18 - 22 708.763.9210 501.223.6379 States Organization for Boating Access [email protected] [email protected] National Annual Conference Kalispell, Montana Association of 406.841.4003 JANUARY 2005 [email protected] 5 - 9 State Boating 23 - 25 United States Power Squadrons Canadian Safe Boating Council Annual Meeting Law Administrators Annual Conference Orlando, Florida Whistler, British Columbia 888.367.8777 416.490.8844 [email protected]

26 - Oct 1 th International Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies 4 Annual Conference Atlantic City, New Jersey 5 202.624.7890 Annual Conference [email protected] September 11-15, 2004 Chattanooga, Tennessee