JUL/AUG 2005 VOL.20 - NO.4 national association of state boating law administrators

RecordRecord LowLow NumberNumber ofof BoatingBoating DeathsDeaths ReportedReported

Tow-BehindTow-Behind SportsSports GainingGaining PopularityPopularity

PayingPaying HomageHomage toto NASBLA'sNASBLA's PastPast LeadersLeaders

MagazineMagazine WinsWins AwardAward

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 Randy Edwards State Boating Law Administrators NASBLA President The NASBLA Presidency: A Bit of History PRESIDENT I have been working closely with my There are currently seven past presidents Randy Edwards longtime friend and neighboring boating law remaining active as boating law administrators administrator (BLA) from Minnesota, Kim in NASBLA. Each of them has certainly left his VICE PRESIDENT Elverum, to research the history of NASBLA, respective mark on our organization. The active Charles Sledd particularly as it relates to the folks who have past presidents are George Stewart, former BLA held the position at the helm of NASLBA – the from Delaware who served as president in 1979 SECRETARY/TREASURER previous NASBLA Presidents. I was curious as and as NASBLA’s Executive Director from Jeffrey Johnson to who these people had been and where they 1987 until 2005; Minnesota BLA Kim had come from. Elverum, (served as president in 1988); EXECUTIVE EDITOR John Johnson When NASBLA first met as an informal Tennessee BLA Ed Carter, (served two terms as organization in 1960 in Chicago, James president in 1996 & 1997); Oregon BLA Paul MANAGING EDITOR O’Brien of New York, chaired this loose-knit Donheffner, (2000); Rhode Island BLA Steve Ron Sarver group for the first four years Hall (2002); South Carolina BLA (1960-63). Eventually, this Alvin Taylor (2003); and Nevada EDITOR group became incorporated as BLA Fred Messmann, (2004). Kimberly Hermes "NASBLA." I am pleased and proud to have In 1964 they elected their had the opportunity to work with ART DIRECTOR first formal executive board these seven extraordinary gentlemen. Michelle Huber-Kropp and President, Harold In my role as current president, they Bradshaw of Michigan. This have been invaluable to me, as I’ve CIRCULATION DIRECTOR Joan Minton first formal organizational often sought their advice and conference was held in counsel, and for that, I am grateful to EDITORIAL OFFICES Portland, Oregon, and each of them. 1500 Leestown Road, Suite 330 NASBLA was formalized at We all owe each of the past Lexington KY 40511 the conference. This plaque, located at NASBLA presidents a debt of gratitude for their Phone: 859.225.9487 Since that time, Headquarters, lists all of the willingness and ability to step up to Fax: 859.231.6403 representatives from 31 organization's presidents and their terms the helm of our organization. It is a E-mail: [email protected] of office. different states have been daunting but immensely rewarding elected president of our task. We have grown, developed and organization. Ten states have twice had changed so much since 1960. We are getting © Small Craft Advisory (ISSN: 1066-2383) Published presidents represent them. Those states include bigger. We are getting better. We continue to bimonthly by the National Association of State Boating Law Oklahoma (C. Ray Wood, 1967 and Merlin evolve and professionalize in our mission to Administrators, 1500 Leestown Rd, Suite 330, Lexington, KY 40511 (six issues). Subscription is $12 annually. Contact Johns in 1985), Oregon (Robert Rittenhouse, making boating safer and more enjoyable for NASBLA for permission to reprint articles, 859.225.9487. 1970 and Paul Donheffner, 2000), Nevada everyone. Send change of address to Small Craft Advisory, 1500 Leestown Road, Suite 330, Lexington KY 40511. (Tom Atkinson, 1989 and Fred Messmann, I am so very proud to be a part of this 2004), Alabama (Tom Shackelford, 1966 and important bit of NASBLA history. I am also Bill Garner, 1983), Georgia (Robert Baker, pleased that we will be having our 2005 annual 1971 and Joel Brown, 1991), Tennessee (Gary conference back in Portland, Oregon, where, ABOUT THE COVER

Myers, 1980 and Ed Carter, 1996 and again in forty-one years ago, the first formal meeting of Today, recreationists can enjoy a wide variety of 1997), South Carolina (Thomas Welch, 1977 NASBLA took place. activities while boating. In addition to the and Alvin Taylor, 2003), New York (James I know that Oregon BLA (and NASBLA traditional water skiing and inner tubing, U.S. boaters are now seeing and participating in O’Brien (chair) 1960-63 and Bill Delaney, Past President) Paul Donheffner and his staff sports including wakeboarding (shown on the 1981), Wisconsin (Dale Morey, 1982 and Bill are working diligently to provide us a great cover), wakeskating, wake surfing and tubing. Engfer, 1999) Indiana (Carroll Henneke, 1986 conference. We are looking forward to it! These towed sports continue evolving and and Larry Rhinehart, 1995), and last (but not growing in popularity. least!) is Iowa which was first represented in See the next page for a current listing of Photo courtesy Liquid Force 1973 by my friend Roy Downing, who was NASBLA's presidents. then the superintendent of the "Waters ▲ ▲ ▲ Section," and now in 2005, by myself.

1 | jul/aug 2005 | NASBLA small craft advisory NASBLA History: Presidents and Conferences

Year President Name State of Residence Conference Location 1960 James O’Brien 1 New York Chicago, IL 1961 James O’Brien 1 New York San Francisco, CA 1962 James O’Brien 1 New York Miami Beach, FL 1963 James O’Brien 1 New York Oklahoma City, OK 1964 Harold Bradshaw 2 Michigan Portland, OR 1965 Lachlan M. Richards California Philadelphia, PA 1966 Tom Shackelford Alabama Santa Fe, N.M. 1967 C. Ray Wood Oklahoma San Francisco, CA 1968 William B. Mathews Maryland Atlanta, GA 1969 Paul Sarossy Ohio Milwaukee, WI 1970 Robert Rittenhouse Oregon Austin, TX 1971 Robert Baker Georgia Tampa, FL 1972 Willard Barbee Nebraska Reno, NV 1973 Roy Downing Iowa Honolulu, HI 1974 Tom Stratton Hawaii Williamsburg, VA 1975 Charles R. Fullwood Jr. North Carolina Chicago, IL 1976 Thomas Alexander Arizona Osage Beach, MO 1977 Thomas Welch South Carolina Charleston, SC 1978 Robert W. Dyke Michigan Seattle, WA 1979 George Stewart Delaware Tucson, AZ 1980 Gary Myers Tennessee Nashville, TN 1981 Bill Delaney New York Pipestem St. Pk. , W.V. 1982 Dale Morey Wisconsin South Lake Tahoe, CA 1983 Bill Garner Alabama Mobile, AL 1984 Gene Sporl Pennsylvania Springfield, IL 1985 Merlin Johns Oklahoma Kalispell, MT 1986 Carroll Henneke Indiana Washington, DC 1987 Larry Williford Texas Salt Lake City, UT 1988 Kim Elverum Minnesota Milwaukee, WI 1989 Tom Atkinson Nevada New Orleans, LA 3 1990 Randy Dill Connecticut Panama City, FL 1991 Joel Brown Georgia Coeur d’ Alene, ID 1992 Liz Raymond Mississippi Springfield, MO 1993 Jim French Washington Hartford, CT 1994 Charlie Clark Louisiana Fajardo, Puerto Rico 1995 Larry Rhinehart Indiana Las Vegas, NV 1996 Ed Carter Tennessee Pittsburgh, PA 1997 Ed Carter Tennessee Charleston, S.C. 1998 Ted Woolley Utah San Diego, CA 1999 Bill Engfer Wisconsin Hot Springs, AR 2000 Paul Donheffner Oregon Mackinac Island, MI 2001 Mike Wilson Arkansas Anchorage, AK 2002 Steve Hall Rhode Island Cleveland, OH 2003 Alvin Taylor South Carolina Virginia Beach, VA 2004 Fred Messmann Nevada Chattanooga, TN 2005 Randy Edwards Iowa Portland, OR 2006 Louisville, KY 2007 Burlington, VT

Notes: 1 From 1960 to 1963 James O’Brien served as president (chairman) of an informal organization of state boating officials, which eventually became incorporated as NASBLA 2 First elected president and board 3 Conference originally scheduled for St. Thomas, USVI, but was delayed and moved to New Orleans due to a hurricane that hit the islands in Sept. 1989.

NASBLA small craft advisory | jul/aug 2005 | 2 nasbla NEWS NASBLA Wins Regional Associations Meet National Award The annual conference of the Southern States Boating Law Administrators Association was held May 1-3, 2005, in Little Rock, Ark. The National Association of State Discussion topics included boating ads, presidential security, Florida’s marketing Boating Law Administrators received an survey and America’s Waterways Watch. award from the National Association of In other news related to the Southern Region, the SSBLAA boating law enforcement Government Communicators (NAGC) at officers of the year are as follows: the annual Communications School held May 10-12 in Austin, Texas. SSBLAA Regional Boating Law Enforcement Officer of the Year NAGC is the only organization for, Sergeant Ben Sisk – Arkansas Game & Fish Commission by and about government communicators and communications. Its members are State Boating Law Enforcement Officers of the Year guided by a professional code of ethics, • Corporal Ryan Swain – Georgia Department of Natural Resources which demands complete and timely • Wildlife & Boating Officer Chad Parker – Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources communication between government and • Sergeant Chuck Strain – Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries the people it serves. • Corporal Walter K. May – Maryland Department of Natural Resources NASBLA is one of just 60 • Master Sergeant Bobby Wilder – Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries & Parks government agencies in the United States • Patrol Officer Kimberly Davis – Missouri State Water Patrol to earn the prestigious Blue Pencil Award • Game Warden Anthony Norton – Texas Parks and Wildlife Department in this year’s annual NAGC Blue • Sergeant Henry W. Garner, Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Pencil/Gold Screen competition, which The Western States Boating Administrators Association (WSBAA) held its annual recognizes excellence in written, filmed, conference May 22-25, 2005, in Helena, Montana. audio/videotaped, published and Attendees discussed various topics related to recreational boating, including photographed government information solutions to abandoned watercraft; promoting life jacket wear; boat accident reporting; products. waterways management issues in Montana; paddlesports issues; aquatic nuisance species; and the future of recreational boating. The regional association distributed several awards during its awards banquet held May 24, 2005:

Hollister Award James Muldoon – Chairman, National Boating Safety Advisory Council

Boating Professional of the Year Award Dean Culwell – USCG Auxiliary, Division 10

Kimberly Hermes, editor of the National Boating Education Advancement Award NASBLA publication Small Craft Oregon State Marine Board’s Junior Boating Program Advisory, received an Award of Excellence Distinguished Life Member Award in the Article category for her Russ Pollard –Wyoming Game & Fish "Paddlesports Participation Escalates," which appeared in the July/August 2004 WSBAA Regional Boating Law Enforcement Officer of the Year issue of the magazine. Officer Tim Baumgarten – Arizona Game & Fish Department More than 600 entries were received for the competition. Entries were judged State Boating Law Enforcement Officers of the Year on production, writing, editorial content, • Trooper Shaun Kuzakin – Alaska State Troopers – Bureau of Wildlife Enforcement layout and design, and quality and • Deputy Eddie Hipol – Solano County (California) Sheriffs Office creativity. Entries were also reviewed to • Deputy Brian Hippe – Ada County (Idaho) Sheriffs Office determine that they achieved the purpose • Game Warden Dave Loewen – Montana Fish Wildlife & Parks for which they were produced, that they • Game Warden Paul Hearne – Nevada Department of Wildlife served the needs of their target audiences • Deputy Jimmy Gyllenskog – Jackson County (Oregon) Sheriffs Office and that they represented a cost-effective • Officer Jared Jones – Utah Parks and Recreation use of financial and other resources. • Marine Deputy Paul Downs – Douglas County (Washington) Sheriffs Office • Game Warden Rod Lebert – Wyoming Game & Fish Department ▲ ▲ ▲

3 | jul/aug 2005 | NASBLA small craft advisory President’s Award Plans Underway Paul Donheffner – Oregon State Marine Board

Past President Award for National James Horan – Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission Conference The annual conference for the Northern Association of Boating Administrators was held June 11-15, 2005 in Wichita, Kan. In addition to providing an opportunity for Join NASBLA in Portland, Oregon boating law administrators to network with NASBLA’s partners and associate members, – the City of Roses – Sept. 17-21, for the meeting gave participants time to discuss maritime security issues, the latest news on the 46th annual conference. the Aquatic Resources (Wallop-Breaux) Trust Fund, the work being accomplished by This year’s conference includes NASBLA’s committees, and other timely issues related to recreational boating. workshops for boating law Various awards were presented during the regional association’s annual awards administrators, canoe/kayak skills banquet held June 14, 2005. training, NASBLA committee Leroy Orvis Memorial Award meetings and a wealth of general Cecilia Duer and breakout sessions. Topics to be Executive Director, addressed include: social marketing, National Water Safety Congress marine preserves, boating education, boating accident analysis, abandoned vessels, homeland security, boating under the influence Keith and Jeannie Deiml – and more. U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, District 33 Additional information and registration forms are available online at www.nasbla.org.

Jeannie and Keith Deiml, longtime members of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, receive the Leroy Orvis Award for their dedication to boating Photos courtesy Portland Oregon Visitors Association safety education.

NABA Regional Boating Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Watercraft Officer Specialist Heather Abele – Ohio Department of Natural Resources

State Boating Law Enforcement Officers of the Year • Agent First Class Nicholas A. Couch, Delaware Department of Natural Resources & Environmental Control • Conservation Officer Ronald S. Miller, Indiana Department of Natural Resources • Recreation Safety Officer Marty Eby, Iowa Department of Natural Resources • Natural Resource Officer Dennis Zehr, Kansas Wildlife and Parks • Game Warden Brad Richard, Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife • Lieutenant John Tulik, Massachusetts Environmental Police • Conservation Officer Greg Patten, Michigan Department of Natural Resources • Conservation Officer Karl Hadrits, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources • Boating Safety Officer Scott Eveland, Nebraska Game & Parks Commission • Deputy Charlie Slack, New York Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation • Game Warden James Myhre, North Dakota Game & Fish Department • Environmental Police Officer Peter Wood, Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management • Wildlife Conservation Officer Aaron Kahre, South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks • Auxiliary Trooper William D. Bullock, Vermont State Police • Conservation Warden Patrick M. Neal, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

Past President Award Brian Kempf – New York Department of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

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NASBLA small craft advisory | jul/aug 2005 | 4 U.S. COAST GUARD RECRUITS FISHING LEGEND Bill Dance Advocates for Boating Safety By John M. Malatak, Chief, Program Operations Division, U.S. Coast Guard Office of Boating Safety

Fishing enthusiasts see him every at-risk groups for boating fatalities: and dedicated following in the angling and weekend doing what he does best – talking hunters and anglers. hunting communities. to fellow anglers about the sport that has U.S. Coast Guard statistics show that Because his audience looks to him for made him a regular "castmate" on boats one third of all recreational boating advice on everything from how to choose everywhere. fatalities occur while people are fishing or lures and the best way to set a hook to But these days, Bill Dance is doing hunting. The most common types of boats what time of day to fish, we anticipate that more than sharing his knowledge about involved in reported accidents are open they will listen just as closely to his the best lines and lures to use for catching motorboats, 21 feet and under. Ninety messages on boating safety. the biggest bass. percent of all the victims who drowned In addition to filming Bill Dance were not wearing a life jacket, and Fishing for Trouble Outdoors, his popular weekly fishing show historically alcohol is involved in one third Hunters and anglers alone accounted on the Outdoor Life Network, he is of all fatalities. for one out of every three people who died lending his presence and voice to the With his brand of down-to-earth, on the water in 2003. Although these Coast Guard national media initiative, Tennessee wisdom and over 30 years of sportsmen could have considerably more "You’re In Command. Boat Responsibly," fishing expertise, Bill Dance has a loyal experience on the water than other to promote something else just as dear to boaters, the statistics show that not his heart – boating safety. following safety protocols can have deadly When we approached Bill Dance to consequences. be a spokesperson for us, he was quick to It’s common knowledge that boating- say, "I’ve been fishing on TV for quite related accidents can happen to anyone on awhile now, and if my advice can help save the water and, many times, accidents someone’s life, then I think it’s my duty to happen so fast that there is no time to do that." reach for a life jacket. Hunters and anglers The media campaign – kicking off the may be especially vulnerable because their first week of July – uses television, radio recreational hobby makes the water feel and print public service announcements like a second home. And "home" feels safe (PSAs), as well as interviews, to promote – it’s the last place one would anticipate life jacket wear – a key component to the danger. Coast Guard’s multi-year "You’re in But as much as a feeling of familiarity Command. Boat Responsibly!" initiative. may place anglers and hunters at high risk, Dance will appear in a 30-second PSA it is the recreational activity itself that to be distributed to television stations leaves them most exposed to potential across the country, as well as participate in danger. Hunting and angling can often interviews for the most popular syndicated take sportsmen out on the water during sports shows on radio. the coldest months of the year, when The Coast Guard Office of Boating boaters involved in accidents are much Safety is also distributing brochures more likely to die than boaters involved in featuring Dance and boating safety tips to accidents during warm weather. multiple coalition partners, including the Also, hunters and anglers are more at U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, United States risk for accidental falls, since they’re often Power Squadrons®, National Safe Boating standing and moving about in smaller Council and others. The television PSA, boats. And lastly, these veterans of the available for viewing at water often believe their years of www.uscgboating.org, will also be shown experience can serve as a substitute for a in Wal-Mart stores across the United boating safety course. States. There are some common The Coast Guard’s media outreach misconceptions as well – ones that can initiative using Bill Dance was designed to lead even the most experienced hunters introduce the second phase of the "You’re and anglers to overlook recommended in Command. Boat Responsibly!" Professional bass fisherman Bill Dance is lending his presence and voice to safety initiatives. a public service campaign to boating safety. One of the promotional items initiative, which targets two of the highest is this fishing tips brochure, which includes tips on how to land "the big For example, one of the most widely one" and how to stay safe on the water. Image courtesy U.S. Coast Guard held myths is that boating-related

5 | jul/aug 2005 | NASBLA small craft advisory accidents are caused by rough weather or by testing one’s limits and going out too far. In fact, most accidents occur on calm, shallow water in clear weather, and in boats under 16’ in length. Specifically, falls overboard and capsizing accounted for over half (57 percent) of all boating fatalities in 2003 – indicating the necessity of wearing your life jacket at all times.

Other Big Fish Along with Bill Dance, the Office of Boating Safety has teamed up with several other celebrity partners to promote safety messages to all recreational boaters. Among the recent "recruits" are NASCAR’s Labonte Family; whitewater kayaker and 2004 Olympic Silver Medalist Rebecca Giddens; and Emmy- nominated actor and boating enthusiast John Amos. All have lent their support to the initiative because of the significant role the water has played in each of their lives. With the support of these well- known celebrities and water enthusiasts, the Coast Guard is both proud and excited to continue to advance the "You’re In Command. Boat Responsibly!" initiative. In addition to stressing the importance of life jacket wear, the initiative also promotes three other significant components, including: never boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs, get a free Vessel Safety Check (VSC) from either the Coast Guard Auxiliary or United States Power Squadrons, and take a boating safety course. Through continued media and outreach initiatives, the Coast Guard is committed to promoting these safety messages to the approximately 78 million recreational boaters throughout the country. You can do your part by passing this article along to any hunters or anglers you may know to remind them of the importance of prioritizing safety on the water. Together, we can reduce the number of boating-related fatalities and make sure that boating remains what it is intended to be – a most treasured American pastime. To find out how you can help, and for more information about boating safely, visit www.uscgboating.org, or call the U.S. Coast Guard Infoline at 800.368.5647.

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NASBLA small craft advisory | jul/aug 2005 | 6 associate SPOTLIGHT

Coalition Promotes Personal Watercraft Safety

Born out of loss and tragedy, the water safety coalitions, Safe Kids Coalition of Parents and Families for Coalitions and news media events. Personal Watercraft Safety works to Their activities include public service promote boating safety. announcements and posters reminding In January 2000, a core group of PWC operators of the nature of the parents and families of personal watercraft vessels, the responsibility of owners and (PWC) accident victims formed the operators to comply with all laws, and the Coalition. Each family had lost their need for extreme caution while operating children or had children who were PWC. experiencing lasting injuries (usually The Coalition has combined forces amputations), and they had resolved to do with the Aaron Foundation and SPIN what they could to help others avoid (Stop Propeller Injuries NOW!) to having to endure similar experiences. comprise the Greater Coalition for Since its establishment, the Coalition Boating Safety. has moved to bring attention to the need Through consensus, the Coalition has for increased caution while operating adopted the following objectives: personal watercraft, the need for boater • Increased safety through public education by PWC operators, as well as all awareness and education concerning other boaters, and the need for design the nature of personal watercraft as changes to address the human factor in vehicles with significant horsepower PWC operation. and without off-throttle steering or "The Coalition has increased its focus braking capacity. Know Before You Go on children," said Nita Boles, • Increased safety through legislation A new safety brochure focusing on personal spokesperson for the Coalition. "We are requiring certification of all personal watercraft (PWC) safety has been created and alarmed at the headlines we see every watercraft operators, and limits of is available from the U.S. Coast Guard Office summer, knowing other families are facing youth operation to none below the of Boating Safety. loss and grief." age of 16. The Coalition joined NASBLA in the • Increased safety through timely "Know Before You Go: Children & Personal fall of 2000 because of their shared goals manufacturer compliance with Watercraft" was designed to help the Coast for promoting boating safety. recommendations from the National Guard in its effort to urge parents to ensure "We view NASBLA as our greatest Transportation Safety Board for their children get educated about boating ally in saving lives. NASBLA has provided adequate warning, labeling, safety before operating or riding a personal an open atmosphere of education, goal padding, helmet use, and off- watercraft. orientation and cooperation with the throttle steering and braking overall purpose of saving lives while capacity development. Adults who rent, lend or borrow PWC must promoting the enjoyment of waterways," For more information about the know and follow federal and state boating laws, and heed the Coast Guard’s "You’re in said Boles. "We feel our concerns for Coalition of Parents and Families for Command" message to be responsible for the boating and personal watercraft safety are Personal Watercraft Safety, visit safety of all those who operate or ride. reaching many more of the right people www.pwcwatch.org. with NASBLA as our partner. We look ▲ ▲ ▲ The brochure was developed by the U.S. forward to a long partnership in boating Coast Guard Office of Boating Safety, safety." American Boat & Yacht Council, Personal The Coalition of Parents and Families Watercraft Industry Association and National for Personal Watercraft Safety works with Association of State Boating Law federal, state and local government entities Administrators. to encourage education of active and potential PWC operators. Copies of the brochure can be ordered in bulk Coalition members educate the through the Coast Guard Office of Boating Safety. For more information, visit public in smaller venues, such as local www.uscgboating.org.

7 | jul/aug 2005 | NASBLA small craft advisory Touting Safety for Towed Sports By Kimberly Hermes

Imagine you are on patrol on a and to supply members with education boat, in any manner, wear an approved popular local lake. While keeping an eye and legislative action. PFD. But not everyone obeys this law. out for safety and legal concerns, you The first element in the WSIA’s "Oftentimes people just think the notice someone who appears to be riding a responsibility code is a reminder to boaters skiers need a PFD," said Wyoming small surfboard close to the back of a ski boat. and riders that there are elements of risk in Boating Law Administrator Mike Choma. But, wait! You take a closer look and boating, skiing and riding that common "Those being towed on inflatables notice that the person on the board is not sense and personal awareness can help reduce. sometimes think that they are exempt even using a rope. from wearing PFDs since they are just out Is this activity safe? Is it legal? What is ‘playing.’" going on? WSIA Executive Director Larry Welcome to the world of towed Meddock said that with most tow-behind watersports. sports evolving from surfing, the The individual described above is participants liken themselves to surfers. He participating in a sport called "wake explained that sports such as surfing," just one of numerous tow wakeboarding and wake surfing are not activities that are gaining popularity on the simply activities. But rather, these sports nation’s waterways. Those activities are a way of life that incorporates attitude, include the well-known sport of water dress, music and many other factors. skiing, the fun-for all ages tubing (which Since surfers haven’t incorporated life now encompasses a wide variety of jackets into their lifestyle, many folks don’t inflatable water toys), the increasingly see why they should wear life jackets when popular wakeboarding, and the relatively being towed behind a boat on a surfboard. new wakeskating. "Until PFD wear is considered ‘hip,’" Editor’s Note: For more detailed said Meddock, "mandatory wear is not descriptions of these activities, please see going to happen." "Skiing and Surfing and Boarding – Oh Meddock further explained that many My!" on pages 11-12. young folks feel invincible. Even though With the growing popularity of these they are aware of the risks, most have the various watersports comes safety, legal and attitude that "It won’t happen to me." social concerns. This attitude is slowly changing, as Tow-behind activities, like all fast- participants realize that they really aren’t action sports, do possess an element of risk. invincible. "As with most extreme sports, safety With today’s technology, watersports enthusiasts can achieve amazing "I usually always ride with a life concerns are infrequent among the tricks both on the water’s surface and in the air. Many of these feats are jacket," commented 2004 Pro Wakeskate professional and competitive watersports not for the beginner. Photo courtesy Connelly/CWB Board Co. National Champion Steve Schoenhals. "I enthusiasts," said Florida Boating Law have definitely slapped my face on the Administrator Richard Moore. "But we The code urges boaters and riders to water and seen stars; I have also come real have several accidents reported each year become familiar with these risks, as well as close to smashing my face on the board. I among the recreational boaters applicable laws and the proper use of wear one because I don’t want to end up participating in these watersports." equipment. getting knocked out and sinking to the The risk factor is magnified for those Speaking of equipment, it’s widely bottom of some lake." who are unaware of the potential hazards agreed that the most important piece of The watersports industry is working of a particular activity. The best solution is equipment for anyone participating in a to show riders the pros of wearing a life for boaters and skiers to be prepared and towed sport is an approved life jacket. jacket and emphasize that "it’s the right follow some general safety rules. Boating officials across the United thing to do." There is a movement to The Water Sports Industry States have been wrestling with the encourage manufacturers to have life Association (WSIA) has developed a concept of mandatory PFD wear for jackets worn during photo shoots responsibility code which outlines these rules. occupants of a boat that is underway. featuring their products, to urge publishers The WSIA was established about 25 However, most everyone agrees that to use only photographs showing riders years ago by a group of dedicated someone being towed behind a boat wearing a life jacket and to compel manufacturers who realized a need to should wear a personal flotation device competitors to wear life jackets during communicate among themselves. Its (PFD). In fact, 43 states and territories competitions. mission is to provide visionary leadership require it by law. Another important safety factor in to increase participation in water sports For example, Wyoming regulations towed sports is boat operation. require that anyone being towed behind a

NASBLA small craft advisory | jul/aug 2005 | 8 It’s not enough for a person to know Carbon monoxide is a byproduct of how to operate the boat. The boat operator any internal combustion engine. Any tow must be knowledgeable in towing skiers. vehicle using an internal combustion The boat operator must be aware of engine produces some level of CO. The all that’s happening around the boat, to watersports industry is collaborating with keep a look out for other boats, hazards numerous government agencies to ensure and dangerous situations. In addition, the that all who participate in watersports are operator must know the towed person’s properly warned of the potential risks of CO. activities. Boating safety officials are particularly A common occurrence is for a boat concerned with the CO risk in wake operator to get caught up in watching the surfing, where the rider is only seven to 10 person being towed, rather than paying feet behind a boat. attention to where the boat is going. The WSIA is working with the Therefore, a crucial factor in safe boat Centers for Disease Control and operation is having a proper lookout. To Prevention (CDC) to do extensive testing facilitate this, many states have enacted on participants who engage in wake surfing. regulations requiring an approved mirror A few "sniffer tests" have been and/or observer be onboard when a person conducted to measure exactly where CO is being towed. exists near the transom of a boat. Related to this is that boat operators These tests have established that lethal find themselves driving in congested areas Water skiing was invented in the 1920s. Since that time, various forms of amounts of CO do exist at a distance of tow-behind watersports have come into being, including wakeboarding and must know how to navigate safely (shown above), wake surfing and wakeskating. about 1 to 3 feet behind the boat transom through traffic to ensure that neither the Photo courtesy Connelly/CWB Board Co. and 6 to 9 inches above the water of a boat nor the rider collides with other moving inboard ski or wakeboard boat. boats, docks, submerged objects, the bank, increasing number of reports of ‘people "This is exactly where people have and so on. coming too close to my boat’," explained died while engaged in the deadly act of Several years ago the Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Boating Law Administrator platform dragging," said Meddock. Fish & Boat Commission enacted John Simmons. "Since we enacted these Platform dragging, also known as teak proximity regulations to govern the regulations, the number of complaints has surfing, is when a person holds on to the distance people could operate their boats dropped considerably." swim platform, swim deck, swim step or in relation to other boats. Carbon monoxide (CO) is also seen swim ladder of a moving boat and body "This was in response to the growing as a hazard in towed sports. surfs the wake. crowdedness on some of our lakes and

Surfing in the Islands While watersports such as water skiing, wakeboarding A key component in the rules is the required and wakeskating are slightly to moderately popular in mandatory certification class for tow-in surfers. To Hawaii, the extreme sport of tow-in surfing has date, approximately 700 people have completed this become tremendously popular in the islands since its certification class. development in the 1990s. The rules also require specific safety equipment for Tow-in surfing involves two-person teams: one person tow-in surfing teams, such as two-way drives a personal watercraft (PWC) while the other is communication devices, rescue boards attached to the towed behind on a surfboard. The motorized power of personal watercraft, dive fins, safety knife and quick the PWC allows surfers to catch waves previously release lines, in addition to federal requirements for all considered too big to ride by traditional surfing boaters in Hawaiian waters. Due to the specialized methods. conditions of the sport, tow-in surfers are not required to wear a life jacket. "Due to the burgeoning popularity of tow-in surfing, in 1993 our agency crafted rules with the help of tow-in Additionally, the rules designate specific ocean areas surfers, traditional surfers, county lifeguards and the for tow-in surfing; and the sport may only take place community," said Pearlyn Fukuba, Boating Safety during high-surf warnings as declared by the National Education specialist with the Hawaii Division of Weather Service. Boating and Ocean Recreation. "The new rules stress safety and education for the benefit of all ocean users."

9 | jul/aug 2005 | NASBLA small craft advisory Safety Tips for Tow-Behind Sports Don’t take unnecessary risks while being towed. The following tips will help you safely enjoy these thrilling sports: ❖ ALWAYS have an observer in the boat. This is a legal requirement in many states. The boat driver cannot watch the rider and operate the boat safely at the same time. ❖ ALWAYS wear a Coast Guard approved personal flotation device (PFD) designed for your watersport of choice. Your approved PFD will help keep you afloat. ❖ NEVER ski in rough water. High waves or a choppy sea will prevent the tow boat from maintaining a steady course and speed to say nothing of the impact on the skis themselves. ❖ ALWAYS stay well clear of congested areas and obstructions. Tow-behind sports require a lot of open area. ❖ NEVER spray or "buzz" swimmers, boats or other skiers. Such stunts are dangerous, discourteous, and could cause an unintentional collision. ❖ NEVER ski after dark. It is hazardous and illegal. Any boat traveling fast enough to tow a skier is traveling too fast to navigate safely at night. ❖ NEVER participate in these sports while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Such activity is extremely dangerous because of the impairment to your judgment and ability to respond. A recent study conducted with expert skiers who were deliberately intoxicated indicated that even their ability to ski was dramatically reduced.

This activity is very an outboard, or inboard- dangerous for several reasons. As outboard. stated above, the activity places Warnings and product participants directly in the area liability issues have become where CO concentrations are the cornerstone of WSIA’s found at lethal levels. It also places current activities. The the "surfers" within hazardous organization has devised a proximity of the boat’s propeller. number of product And, participants usually do not warning labels in an effort wear life jackets. All of these to educate consumers on factors combined create a truly risks associated with unsafe boating activity. watersports. Realizing the dangers of For example, the wake Inner tubing is a way for boaters of all ages and skill levels to enjoy watersports activity. Photo courtesy Stearns Inc. platform dragging, the National surfer warning cautions Association of State Boating Law the user about propeller Administrators (NASBLA) developed a No data from the sniffer tests suggests strikes and carbon monoxide, in addition model act for states to use in banning the that lethal doses of CO exist at the level of to urging the use of an approved personal activity. the wake surfer. Due to the technology of flotation device. The Model Act for Safe Practices for the ski and board manufacturers, the Although tow-behind sports are not Watersports specifically prohibits boards used by wake surfers are much without their risks, these activities can be – operating a motorboat or having the lighter and smaller that the original and are – enjoyed by boaters around the engine run idle while a person is boards. The newer boards allow enough country. While water skiing and tubing occupying or holding on to the swim lift and support to get the rider above the have been around a long time, the newer platform, swim deck, swim step or swim level of where CO has been found. sports continue growing in popularity. So ladder of the vessel. (The model act in its "We don’t want to suggest that there if you haven’t encountered a wake surfer or entirety is available online at are no risks in wake surfing," said wakeskater yet, you soon will. Don’t be www.nasbla.org.) Meddock. "After all, the rider is very close alarmed when you see folks carving the To date, California, Nevada and to the back of the boat. If the boat runs wake, popping an Ollie or doing an Pennsylvania have used NASBLA’s model aground, the rider will most likely hit the airwalk behind a boat. They’re simply act to pass state boating laws to improve transom." enjoying the water. boating safety. That’s why the WSIA specifically cautions boaters not to wake surf behind ▲ ▲ ▲

NASBLA small craft advisory | jul/aug 2005 | 10 Skiing and Surfing and Boarding – Oh My! By Kimberly Hermes

Which of these activities can be tubes are geared more toward families or A New Way to Ski performed behind a boat? large groups who want to play on the Wakeboarding, another popular tow- a. Boarding water. behind sport is very similar to water skiing b. Skating In addition to the number of riders a in that the rider is towed behind the boat c. Skiing towable can accommodate, water tubes with a rope. The difference is what the d. Surfing come in different shapes. rider is towed upon. e. Tubing A standard tube is shaped like a large Larry Meddock, executive director of f. All of the above doughnut with handles on top. It may or the Water Sports Industry Association, may not have a floor inside the doughnut explained that a wakeboard is Believe it or not, the answer is all of hole. Riders can lie on their stomachs approximately 50 inches long by 15 inches the above. Wakeboarding, wakeskating, across the top, sit in the doughnut hole or wide. The rider is secured to the board water skiing, water tubing and wake with bindings and towed behind a boat surfing are all popular tow-behind sports on American’s waterways these days.

In the Beginning Most people, whether they’re boaters or not, are familiar with water skiing. After all, the sport has been around for over 80 years. According to USA Water Ski, the national governing body for organized water skiing (www.usawaterski.com), the sport of water skiing was invented in the United States in 1922 by Minnesotan Ralph Samuelson. The story goes that he was certain that if a person could slide on snow on skis, then one should also be able to glide across the water on skis. Samuelson built the first pair of water skis and was towed on them behind an outboard-powered boat. Since the invention of water skiing, thrill-seekers have developed new ways to enjoy being towed behind a boat. Inflatable towables are popular among all ages and skill levels. Manufactures offer many different shapes and sizes for boaters to use on the water. Photo courtesy Stearns Inc. No Skills Required Water tubing is similar to water skiing, except that the participant rides a sit upright with their rear on the top of the with a 75- to 85-foot rope at speeds rubber inner tube instead of a pair of skis. tube and feet in the doughnut hole. averaging 18 mph to 23 mph. This activity is fun for all ages and all skill A deck tube is a flat tube that shaped Wakeboarding likely evolved from levels. like a mattress. Riders lie on their many different sports, but it’s clear that its As for equipment, there are several stomachs and hold on to forward handles. biggest influence is surfing. Historians commercial water tubes on the market, These tubes get the rider closer to the recall surfers being towed with a ski rope both in single-rider and multi-rider water and offer the best high performance behind a boat, and sometimes even from designs. features. the shoreline by a truck. Shorter boards Single-rider tubes tend to be high- A ride-in tube is similar to a small were created to suit this type of activity. performance towables. They’re more boat. Riders sit on a dry seat or floor, with USA Water Ski credits Tony Finn maneuverable and better suited for tricks, sides surrounding them. with beginning the wakeboard revolution jumping, flying and high speeds. Other fun water tube designs include in the early 1980s. Finn, a San Diego Multi-rider tubes can accommodate stand-up chariots, inflatable kneeboards, surfer, developed the Skurfer – a cross two to six people, depending on design. hydrofoil boats and multi-rider ‘hot between a water ski and a surfboard. These tubes are larger, slower and heavier dogs." The resulting product, according to than single-rider models. Multi-rider Thomas Dembie, an avid wakeboarder

11 | jul/aug 2005 | NASBLA small craft advisory In wakeskating, the million people worldwide participated in rider uses a small wakeboarding in 2004. wakeboard, usually 40 According to the Sporting Goods inches to 45 inches long Manufacturers Association’s (SGMA) and 13 inches to 15 inches analysis of the current Superstudy of wide. The biggest Sports Participation, wakeboarding ranks difference from as the eighth-most popular extreme sport wakeboarding is that the in the United States. Last year alone, over wakeskate has no bindings. 2.8 million people across the country The rider wears sneakers or participated in wakeboarding. water shoes to maintain a The Superstudy of Sports grip on the board. Participation is conducted by American Sports Data Inc., which monitors more Look Ma, No Hands! than 100 sports and fitness activities. Wake surfing, often Wakeskating, virtually unheard of a considered the predecessor decade ago, has increased in popularity to wakeboarding, is over the past few years to the point that it making a comeback in the now has its own competitions on the Pro United States. This activity Wakeboard Tour. takes wakeboarding and While water skiing and tubing are removes the foot straps and common sights on the lakes and rivers, the tow rope. How can this don’t be surprised to see someone skating be a tow-behind sport, you behind a boat or surfing the wake. It’s may wonder. simply another way folks have discovered In wake surfing, the to enjoy the water. rider uses a miniature surf Like wakeboarding and water skiing, wakeskating is performed behind a boat. The main difference between ▲ ▲ ▲ wakeboarding and wakeskating is that on a wakeskate there are no bindings – creating a whole new list of board that is shorter and challenges. Photo courtesy Liquid Force thinner than a standard surf and the creator of Stoke City, a Canadian board. To get up, the rider is towed wakeboarding website, resembled a small with a short rope 7 to 10 feet surfboard and was pulled by a boat. The behind the boat at speeds ranging rider was limited in his actions but could from 7 mph to 14 mph, depending still perform surf-like carving moves on all on the rider’s weight. Once the sides of the wake. Since there were no rider is up, the tow rope is tossed straps or bindings, riders stood anywhere inboard and the rider surfs the on these boards. wake. In the summer of 1985, foot straps were added to the device. This took the Popularity Continues sport to a new level by allowing the rider Tow-behind sports continue to perform big jumps. Since then the gaining popularity on the boards have been refined numerous times, waterways. evolving from a narrow and very buoyant Over the years, water skiing design that was difficult to ride to today’s has shown almost continuous, thin-profiled board that can carve like a sustained growth. Surveys of sports slalom ski. participation show that there are roughly 11 million water skiers in Another Kind of Skater the United States today. Another popular tow-behind activity Wakeboarding is considered is wakeskating. The wakeskater is much the fastest-growing water sport in like a skate boarder, just on the water. In the world. In fact, USA Water Ski fact many wakeskaters started out skating calls wakeboarding "one of the on land. biggest sports-related phenomena Wakeskating has a much more limited of the past decade" and cites user base than wakeboarding or water statistics indicating that nearly 4 skiing because the sport is more difficult to Surfing moves inland with this tow-behind sport. Dubbed “wake surfing,” the rider uses a miniature learn than other tow-behind activities. surfboard to ride a boat’s wake. A tow rope is used to get the rider up, then the surfer toss the rope into the boat and “hangs 10.” Staff photo

NASBLA small craft advisory | jul/aug 2005 | 12 boating BRIEFS

Recreational Boating Experiences Safest Year Yet Indiana Implements Recreational boating accident While the number of boating deaths Free Life Jacket statistics compiled by the U.S. Coast has decreased, drowning remains the Guard show that the number of leading cause of death on the water. Loaner Program recreational boating deaths dropped to a Consistent with previous years, record low in 2004. approximately 70 percent (484 out of The Indiana Department of Natural Recreational boating fatalities 676) of all reported fatalities were due to Resources’ (DNR) Law Enforcement reported for the United States, five U.S. drowning. Division has partnered with members of Territories and the District of Columbia The number of drowning victims not the Indiana Marine Trades Association totaled 676 last year. wearing a life jacket increased to 90 (IMTA) in a program to loan free life "This figure represents the lowest percent last year. Fatal accident data show jackets to children. number of fatalities ever recorded in the approximately 431 lives could have been The life jacket program will loan a history of the Recreational Boating Safety saved in 2004 if boaters had worn their life life jacket to any child 12 years of age or (RBS) Program," said Bruce Schmidt, data jackets. younger. Life jackets are available at analyst with the U.S. Coast Guard. Alcohol remains a significant factor in several of the state's most popular lakes. "Granted – every life is precious – it's just boating deaths. In 2004, alcohol use was good to report fewer recreational boaters involved in 32 percent of all reported perished last year." boating fatalities. The previous record-low was achieved Alcohol involvement in a boating in 2001 with 681 boating deaths. accident includes any accident where there The Coast Guard collects boating was evidence or a reasonable likelihood accident data from all 56 states and that alcohol was consumed by a boat’s territories. By analyzing the data and occupants. identifying trends, boating safety officials The National Association of State are better able to target accident Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) prevention programs that save lives and continues working with the U.S. Coast lower the number of injuries associated Guard, boating safety organizations and with the use of recreational boats. the recreational boating industry to The number of boats registered in the educate boaters better. United States continues to drop ever so Both NASBLA and the U.S. Coast slightly. States and territories reported Guard reminds boaters "You’re In 12,781,476 boats registered in 2004, Command. Boat Responsibly." compared with 12,794,616 in 2003 and Boaters can visit one of the participating ▲ ▲ ▲ 12,854,054 in 2002. marinas, where they can pick up one of the three life jacket sizes available for Coast Guard Planning New Regulations children. At the end of the boating day, boaters simply return the life jacket to the on Vessel Numbering, Life Jacket Wear marina. "The goal of the program is help keep The Coast Guard included two new numbering of undocumented vessels and a boater from possibly risking the safety of regulatory initiatives in its semi-annual on the reporting of accidents. It would a young passenger without having the agenda. harmonize terminology governing the proper size life jacket, or worse no life The first would require every person Standard Numbering System, the Vessel jacket at all," said DNR's Sergeant Dean to wear a life jacket while operating or Identification System, and the Casualty or Shadley. riding on personal watercraft or being Accident Report. According to the Coast Participating IMTA members display towed behind a recreational vessel on Guard, this new regulation will help the a sign recognizing them as a sponsor of the waters subject to the jurisdiction of the agency to collect better data, process data Life Jacket Loaner Program. Boaters are United States. According to the Coast more efficiently, and use data more encouraged to use this service as needed, Guard, the rule would not preempt any effectively to prevent boating accidents. returning the jackets at the end of their state requirement. The proposal is slated to be published boating day. The proposal is expected to be in September of this year. Contact Jeanne The life jacket loaner program began announced in July of this year. Contact Timmons at 202.267.0857 for more Fourth of July Weekend and will run Carlton Perry at 202.267.0979 for details. information. throughout the boating season. The second initiative would amend the Coast Guard’s rules on states’ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲

13 | jul/aug 2005 | NASBLA small craft advisory Angler Safety Ad Campaign is Contest Encourages Catch of the Day Education The California Department of falling overboard. All of the victims BoaterExam.com, an Oregon State Boating and Waterways (Cal Boating) has drowned and none wore a life jacket. Marine Board (OSMB) accredited online released a new 30-second ad encouraging "Given the high rate of fishing-related boating safety course provider, has anglers to wear their life jackets. boating deaths, we decided to extend our introduced a $15,000 Boating Safety " Many anglers wear life jackets when ongoing boating safety campaign to Contest to encourage Oregon boaters to they are motoring out to fish, but remove include radio and television messages complete a boating safety course. them once they reach their destination," targeted to anglers," explained Jana In 1999, Oregon Legislature passed a said Raynor Tsuneyoshi, Clarke, advertising mandatory boater education law requiring Cal Boating director. "Our program coordinator for all Oregon boaters to complete a safe message is that anglers put Cal Boating. "We boating course and obtain an Oregon themselves in danger when developed this message Boater Education Card before operating a they take off their life vests specifically to reach powered watercraft over 10 hp. to fish." anglers in a way that Editor’s Note: For more information on The ad features an isn’t preachy or Oregon’s boater education program, see the angler rowing out to his threatening. We also boating brief on page 16. favorite spot for a beautiful, wanted to make it relaxing day of fishing. As attention-getting and he settles in, he begins to fun." unbuckle and remove his The ad is part of life jacket. Through an Cal Boating’s successful overly dramatic and "Safe Boating is Big "It is believed that as more boaters entertaining series of special Fun" Campaign. become educated in boating safety, there effects and unique footage, the scene To preview the spots or for more in will be a significant reduction in the transitions from pleasant to menacing and formation about the "Safe Boating is Big number of accidents and boating related the angler discovers that he will enjoy his Fun" television, radio and outdoor fatalities. An educated boater is a better, trip more with the safety of his life jacket. advertising campaign, visit safer boater," said Larry McNamee, In 2004, 34 percent of boating www.BoatSmarter.com. president and CEO of BoaterExam.com. fatalities on California’s waterways were The ad was funded by an education Every boater that successfully related to fishing accidents. Eighty-seven and outreach grant from the Aquatic completes the Oregon boating safety percent of all fishing-related fatalities were Resources (Wallop-Breaux) Trust Fund. course online at BoaterExam.com will be the result of vessels capsizing or people ▲ ▲ ▲ automatically entered into the $15,000 Contest and have the option to obtain their Boater Education Card. Essay Contest Rewards Kids for "We’ve found that most boaters Wearing Life Jackets prefer to take the safe boating course and The National Safe Boating Council Entries can be mailed to the National exam over the Internet in the comfort (NSBC) is holding an essay contest to Safe Boating Council at Sidekicks Life their own home, on their own schedule," encourage kids to tell why they wear their Jacket Stories, P.O. Box 509, Bristow, VA said McNamee. life jackets. 20136 or e-mailed to The contest allows participants to The hope is that by hearing these [email protected]. The improve their boating safety knowledge, stories, their parents, brothers, sisters, deadline for entries is November 1, 2005. meet the mandatory boater education families and friends will realize how A first, second and third prize requirements, avoid fines, win great prizes important it is for everyone to wear a life winner will be announced in each of the and possibly save 10 to 15 percent on their jacket. following age groups: 4-7, 8-11 and 12- marine insurance. With its "Why I Wear My Life 15. Winners will receive a $100 savings The first place contest winner will Jacket" contest, the NSBC is requesting bond. Awards will be given based upon receive a boat, motor and trailer package essays or short stories from kids ages 4 to good grammar, punctuation, composition worth $8,500. The second place winner 15, explaining the importance of wearing a and the story told. Winners will be will receive a three-day salmon fishing trip life jacket and why they choose to wear one. announced in December. for two at the world-class Queen The stories should be one to two Entries should include the writer’s Charlotte Lodge in British Columbia, pages long and discuss their various name, age and mailing address. Canada. boating experiences and why they have For additional information, visit ▲ ▲ ▲ worn a life jacket while on the water. www.boatingsidekicks.com and www.safeboatingcouncil.org. ▲ ▲ ▲

NASBLA small craft advisory | jul/aug 2005 | 14 Marine University Rolls Out Boater101 Dealer Program Marine University has released its schedule of training courses can be viewed Florida. "We do things like flotillas and Boater101 Program for dealers. The at www.marineuniversity.org. rendezvous. We want our customers to feel nonprofit organization promotes boating, "This is the first time a course like this safe out there, which is one of the reasons water safety and environmental awareness has been offered to dealers," said Engle. we teach Boater101." through online and hands-on certification "Many are seeing the potential for offering Grosky said that first-time boaters training. expanded services for their clients." who feel part of the SunDance "family" The Boater101 course, taught at local "We see it as a tremendous tend to be an "extremely good prospect" dealerships, is a boating safety course that opportunity for boating customers, our for a larger boat. "That customer now feels is approved by the National Association of dealers and the industry," said Dave an allegiance with us because he sees that State Boating Law Administrators and Taylor, US Marine’s senior vice president we’re boaters, too, who want to do more recognized by the U.S. Coast Guard. It is of sales and marketing. "We have been for him than just take their money." also recognized nationwide. Graduates of behind the program from the beginning, Grosky said that he will accelerate the the course are often eligible to receive up working with our dealers in South Florida Boater101 training programs for his new to a 10 percent discount on boat during the pilot program, and now boat customers. insurance. Marine University and its partnering with more than 20 US Marine He also says that the more interactive partners are also working with boating law dealers from across the country." format and larger graphics of the course is administrators to customize the program Other manufacturers, including geared to children who take the course for to meet the regulations of individual Formula, Four Winns and Volvo Penta, certification requirements in Florida. "It’s states. have also experienced positive results with an engaging course that keeps their "We believe that [the program] their dealers. "It can be used to sway attention while educating at the same accomplishes two missions: It allows reluctant first-time buyers to make the time," said Grosky. dealers to offer a NASBLA-approved leap," said Clint Moore, CEO of Volvo "The Boating 101 program is a boating safety course in their own Penta of the Americas. "It can also build perfect complement to a variety of other dealerships, and it gives new boaters and on the relationship with their customers efforts that are currently under way to children a solid knowledge of the rules of by providing valuable training." improve the boating experience and help the road," said Susan Engle, Marine Marine University certifies dealership grow our industry," said Taylor. "Teaching University president. personnel so that they can teach the boating customers how to have an Manufacturers and dealers Boater101 course to their customers or enjoyable, stress-free and safe time on the participating in the pilot program were other interested participants. water will only help our collective cause. pleased with the results, and consumer "We see this course as another value- As an added benefit, by offering the feedback was strong. Marine University added for the dealership," said Engle. "Not program at the point-of-sale, we are offered the first online training sessions in only can they offer in-house boating safety establishing a strong bond between our June for dealers who intend to use the courses but the staff can create a stronger dealers and prospective or current buyers." Boater101 safety course in dealerships relationship with the customers." For more information on the around the nation. The organization also "We’ve been in business for 30 years Boater101 Dealer Program, contact offers personal "train the trainers" and have a reputation for being more than Christa Jewett at 954.730.6889 or e-mail instruction from one of its course just a dealership," said Scott Grosky of [email protected]. instructors who travel to the dealership. A SunDance Marine in Pompano Beach, ▲ ▲ ▲ North Carolina Signs Boating Agreement with Power Squadrons The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (WRC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with United States Power Squadrons (USPS) to pursue common goals in the furtherance of recreational boating safety and enjoyment. The MOU spells out and formalizes individual and joint responsibilities for each organization. An emphasis on safe boating education and compliance with specific laws and regulations in North Carolina is central in the agreement. United States Power Squadrons is a non-profit organization devoted to safe boating education. All of the more than 450 USPS squadrons in 33 districts throughout the country teach a public boating course. All USPS public courses meet and exceed the minimum requirements of the National Association of Boating Law Administrators. During the USPS Governing Board meeting held in June, WRC Executive Director Richard B. Hamilton, who USPS has similar MOUs with 40 states to date. serves as North Carolina’s boating law administrator, and USPS Chief Commander G. Leslie Johnson signed ▲ ▲ ▲ a Memorandum of Agreement focusing on boating safety. Photo courtesy United States Power Squadrons

15 | jul/aug 2005 | NASBLA small craft advisory Arizona Honored for OUI Efforts Florida Enacts Key The Arizona Governor's Office of county and municipal agencies, resulted in Boater Access Laws Highway Safety, the National Highway 438 OUI arrests statewide in 2004. Two bills designed to increase or Traffic and Safety Administration and the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office maintain boating access to Florida National Chapter of Mothers Against Lake Patrol deputies led the state with 106 waterways were signed into law by Drunk Driving recently presented the arrests. Mohave County Sheriff's Office Governor Jeb Bush (R). Arizona Game and Fish Department with Deputies accounted for 102 arrests, with H.B. 955, dubbed the "working a "Special Award for OUI Enforcement Arizona Game and Fish Department waterfronts bill," attempts to preserve Efforts in 2004." officers making 97 arrests. public access to Florida’s waterways by The Game and Fish Department Arizona Boating Law Administrator encouraging local governments to received the award for its innovative Kevin Bergersen represented the Game continue to develop and maintain statewide operating under the influence and Fish Department and received the recreational and commercial waterfronts (OUI) enforcement strategies, including award at a DUI/OUI Recognition Awards through incentives. the purchase of a mobile OUI command banquet held on May 13, 2005. The H.B. 989 requires the Department of post as well as coordinating or assisting on banquet honored Arizona's media, public Environmental Protection to adopt by statewide OUI special projects. safety, EMS and Judicial Services rule general permits for local governments These special projects, combined with statewide. to "construct, operate, and maintain intensive patrol efforts by 11 federal, state, ▲ ▲ ▲ public marinas and public mooring fields, public boat ramps, including associated courtesy docks and associated parking facilities located in uplands," thus increasing the number of public access points to Florida’s waterways.

▲ ▲ ▲

NC Legislators Approve Age Raise

Arizona BLA Kevin Bergersen accepted the Special Award for OUI Enforcement Efforts on behalf of the state Game and Fish Department. Also present during for PWC Operators the awards ceremony were (l-r) Joe Arpaio, Maricopa County Sheriff; Richard Fimbres, Director of the Governor's Office of Highway Safety; Nicholas Ellinger, director of State Legislative Relations for Mothers Against Drunk Driving; and Dr. David Manning, Western Regional Administrator for the National Highway Safety Administration. North Carolina lawmakers have raised the minimum age for operating Oregon Boater Education Program Reaches personal watercraft in the state to 14 in a bill that is now heading to Gov. Mike 100,000 Boat Operators Easley's desk. The age to operate personal The Oregon State Marine Board has accidents, property damage and injuries. watercraft is currently 12, but in June the reached a milestone in its mandatory We hope this trend continues." North Carolina House voted 92-14 on boater education program, issuing card The mandatory education program final legislative approval to raise that age number 100,000 on May 25. has been phased in, based on age, since in the interest of water safety. Last year the Marine Board recorded 2003. This year, boaters 45 and younger If Easley signs the bill into law, 52 boating accidents, the lowest number are required to carry their boater children who are 12 before Nov. 1 would of accidents ever. education card. be able to continue to operate the According to Ashley Massey, The boater education card is a once- watercraft. Mandatory Boater Education Program in-a-lifetime requirement and applies only The bill also would require personal Coordinator for Marine Board, educated to people operating powerboats greater watercraft users who are 14 and 15 to boaters are five times less likely to be than 10 hp. Youths 12-15 need to be either share the craft with someone who is involved in boating accidents than non- supervised with a card holding adult while at least 18 or have completed an approved educated boaters. "Since the program operating boats great than 10 hp. Once a boating safety education course. started in 2003 we have had an 85 percent person has taken a boating safety course, compliance rate, which is outstanding," he or she may apply for their permanent ▲ ▲ ▲ says Massey, "The great news is that we are card. The cost of the card is a one-time starting to see a reduction in boating $10 fee. ▲ ▲ ▲

NASBLA small craft advisory | jul/aug 2005 | 16 Boating Tour Generates $15.7 Million in Sales

More than 1,000 attendees at the The 2005 Tour incorporates a brand- in which visitors will see specific types of 2003 and 2004 Discover Boating and Take new mobile design and event strategy to boats with accompanying promotional Me Fishing Mobile Tour have purchased bring boating and fishing to more materials, outlining the activities that can boats since their visits, resulting in consumers than ever before. be enjoyed on a specific type of boat. approximately $15.7 million in sales, the The layout of the mobile marketing "Consumers at a number of tour National Marine Manufacturers display has been expanded to stops last year demonstrated that they are Association (NMMA) 6,000 square feet from more responsive when boats are included reported in late May. last year’s 4,000 in the exhibit," said Tadd. "An expanded Those findings square feet presence for boats will also allow the Tour come from Info-Link design. to accommodate demand from more Technologies, which Returning manufacturers and local dealers who are tracked boat sales from last asking to participate in 2005." by request of year’s Tour is In terms of event strategy, the exhibit NMMA, which is the popular will stay at events for longer periods, to the tour's organizer. Fishing ensure the best location within the event. The sales results, Simulator, where Though the mobile marketing display will which were based on the attendees can try to be at fewer events, compared to the 2004 average price of new and pre-owned catch "virtual" white marlin, large Tour, it will reach even more people by boats, are a conservative estimate, mouth bass, and other fresh- and saltwater removing some of the days that it would according to Peter Houseworth with Info- fish. otherwise be in transit. Link Technologies. Also returning are Splash Theater, a For more information on the Tour, "These sales results only account for motion theater where attendees are treated including an updated schedule of events, sales that we can confirm," Houseworth to a video presentation that is geared to visit www.DiscoverBoating.com or said. "The total number of boats sold to promoting the excitement of boating, and www.TakeMeFishing.org, or contact consumers is higher, but we are able to the Next Steps tent, where attendees learn Discover Boating Project Manager confirm this level of sales as a minimum." what they need to do next to buy a boat, Maryanne Bradford at 312.946.6227; NMMA collected consumer contact or start fishing locally. [email protected]. information by giving attendees the The Tour includes an expanded Boat opportunity to participate in a contest to Walk, now known as the Mini Boat Show, ▲ ▲ ▲ win a new boat. This information was then cross-referenced with Info-Link's National Boat Registration Database to identify Grow Boating Milestone: boat purchases that occurred subsequent to being exposed to the tour during 2003 More than 1,000 Contribute to Initiative and 2004. More than 1,000 contributions support has also come from smaller Discover Boating Director Steve Tadd have come in for the Grow Boating organizations. Individual boating said the 2005 Tour is off to an equally Initiative, following a call for support enthusiasts have also come on board to impressive start, judging from the results issued by the National Marine support Grow Boating. of the tour stops made in May. More than Manufacturers Association (NMMA) "This is a significant milestone," 300 "hot leads" were generated during the in December 2004. says NMMA president Thom first month of the 2005 Tour. As of June 29, 2005, nearly $2.25 Dammrich. "For Grow Boating to be a Hot leads are individuals that are million has been raised to support the success, it had to be embraced by the ready "right now" to purchase a boat; they start-up phase of the industry’s Grow entire industry, and judging by the go through a special qualification process Boating campaign, a cooperative effort number of companies that have thrown with tour staff. In addition, more than among all segments of the recreational their financial support behind the 17,000 people have entered to win one of boating industry to increase startup of the program, it is evident that four boats, creating an already large participation in boating by actively the industry is fully behind the database of consumers interested in boat promoting the boating lifestyle to the campaign." ownership. Tadd estimates the list will public, improving product quality and To see the complete list of grow to 70,000-90,000 people. industry statistics, and improving the contributors or to contribute to the The mobile tour is a part of the sales and service experience. Grow Boating Initiative Startup Fund, NMMA’s Discover Boating Program, Contributions ranging from more visit www.GrowBoating.org. which is designed to help first-time boat than $100,000 to less than $500 have For more information on the buyers determine which boat is right for come in from all industry segments. In Grow Boating Initiative, visit the them and their families. addition to the larger boat and engine website or contact Dan Green at manufacturers that have contributed, 312.946.6269; [email protected].

17 | jul/aug 2005 | NASBLA small craft advisory Congressman Helps Secure Patrol Boat for Police Department Thanks to the efforts of Florida watercraft to the Fort Lauderdale Police would like to personally thank Congressman Clay Shaw (R-Fort Department," he continued. Congressman Shaw and Motorsports of Lauderdale), the Fort Lauderdale Police The vessel will be on loan from Fort Lauderdale for their participation in Department will receive a new Kawasaki Motorsports of Fort Lauderdale to the Fort this beneficial partnership with the public on-water patrol vessel to enhance its law Lauderdale Police Department for one safety community," said Fort Lauderdale enforcement capabilities on the city's year. Chief of Police Bruce Roberts. waterways and coastline this year. This The loan is made possible through the Maureen Healy, executive director of loan comes at a time when Fort Congressional PWC Loan Program the Personal Watercraft Industry Lauderdale officials have voiced concerns launched by industry manufacturers this Association, said, "We are delighted that over the availability of financial resources year and made available to members of the Motorsports of Ft. Lauderdale was able to needed to purchase such a boat. Congressional Boating Caucus. To date, work with us to make this loan possible. "Thanks to a wonderful program manufacturers have loaned approximately This personal watercraft will enhance the offered by Motorsports of Fort Lauderdale, 15,000 vessels to local police, fire, rescue Ft. Lauderdale Police Department's on- the Fort Lauderdale Police Department and marine mammal research water capabilities and make the has received a state-of-the-art Kawasaki organizations across the country. community safer." personal watercraft that will assist the "The Fort Lauderdale Police "Fort Lauderdale waterways will be department during busy weekends with Department is very pleased to have been safer as a result of having this vessel heavy boat traffic," said Congressman chosen as the recipient of this new vessel. patrolling the water," Shaw said. "I fully Shaw, co-chair of the Congressional The City of Fort Lauderdale, also known support programs like this that bring Boating Caucus. "There are many budget as the Venice of America because of its industry together with the public safety constraints that make purchasing a new extensive waterways, canals and community to better protect and serve our vessel impossible so I am proud that I can oceanfront, will benefit greatly utilizing a residents." help bring this much-needed personal personal watercraft in our law enforcement efforts and many marine-related events. I ▲ ▲ ▲ Ohio Boaters Say State Waterways Are Very Safe Survey results give strong vote of confidence to waterway management

Ninety-five percent of Ohio’s have combined to make the recreational of those taking courses offered by the U.S. recreational boaters feel state waterways boating environment much safer in Ohio Power Squadrons. Approval ratings for are "very safe," according to those polled and nationwide," said boating education in a survey by the Ohio Department of Alvey. programs increased in Natural Resources (ODNR). Results of Ohio recorded a high SURVEY SAYS: all categories from the the 2004 survey were announced during of 73 boating-related 2001 survey. National Safe Boating Week, May 20-27. fatalities in 1973 and a Ohio waterways are... The average age of "Our goal is to continuously improve low of seven fatalities in Ohio boat owners waterway safety for Ohio’s boaters," said 2004. In 1960, when the Safe responding to the Ken Alvey, chief of the ODNR Division of Division of Watercraft random survey was 53 Watercraft. "We are proud of our began record keeping a years with an average of waterway management programs and it is total of 98,562 watercraft 26 years of boating gratifying to know that our efforts are were registered statewide. Very Safe experience. The average being recognized by the state’s boating Last year, Ohio registered Ohio boat owner has a community." 414,938 watercraft. 15 year-old boat, 20 A similar survey conducted in 1999 An estimated 3 feet long, powered by showed that 88 percent of Ohio boaters million Ohioans enjoy recreational an average of 145 horsepower. believed waterways were very safe. The boating yearly. The recreational boating The U.S. Coast Guard reported in Division of Watercraft noted that boating- industry generates a statewide economic 2003 that 705 people died in boating- related accidents and injuries have impact estimated at $2 billion annually related accidents nationwide with nearly declined since it began record keeping in and helps to support the full time 500 of those individuals drowning. Of 1960, while the number of registered equivalent of more than 19,000 jobs. those persons who drowned in a boating- watercraft and boating participants have In addition to safety concerns, the related accident, 86 percent failed to wear increased over the same period. survey measured boater education or properly wear a life jacket. The core "Better boat designs and engineering, participation. One in five boaters said they message of National Safe Boating Week is to stronger education programs and increased had taken a boating education course always wear a life jacket while on the water. watercraft officer presence on the water within the past five years with the majority ▲ ▲ ▲

NASBLA small craft advisory | jul/aug 2005 | 18 Ohio Designates Its First Water Trail Restaurant Chain The 28-mile Kokosing State Scenic difference - the trail already exists and Helps Promote Life River in Knox County has been designated access just needs to be provided. as Ohio’s first water trail by the Ohio The Kokosing Water Trail features Jacket Wear Department of Natural Resources nine public access points, some of which (ODNR). The Kokosing River Water Trail are still under development. Several access Coast Guard Auxiliarists in three is part of a new Ohio Water Trails improvements have been made in recent states are teaming with a regional initiative aimed at promoting and years with the support of ODNR funding, restaurant chain to save lives of boaters providing access to streams and rivers that including the Waterway Safety Fund, this summer. offer excellent opportunities for boating Clean Ohio dollars and the Ohio Scenic Members of the Auxiliary in parts of and fishing. Rivers License Plate Fund. Illinois, Iowa and Missouri are passing out ODNR Director Sam Speck was Paddlers and other users are Coast Guard Auxiliary Panda Awards and joined June 4 by representatives of the encouraged to follow the newly published coupons for Hardees menu items to Knox County Park District and other local Kokosing River Water Trail Guide, which children wearing their life jackets. The officials at a dedication ceremony along features a narrative listing of river access coupons are redeemable at any Hardees the new trail near Gambier. Following the points and fishing opportunities, as well as nationwide. ceremony, attendees enjoyed a short canoe boating safety tips. Auxiliarists will be passing out the float on the new water trail. As a new ODNR initiative, the Ohio items on safety patrols across rivers, lakes "Our goal with trails such as this is to Water Trails program is led by the ODNR and steams in central and southern provide paddlers and anglers with safe and Division of Watercraft with support from Illinois, eastern Iowa, and eastern convenient access points to enjoy the the divisions of Natural Areas & Preserves, Missouri, according to Christopher Ware, state’s thousands of miles of rivers and Real Estate & Land Management, Ohio commander of Flotilla 88 in the streams," Speck said. "The Kokosing River State Parks, and Wildlife. Outside Auxiliary's 8th Western Rivers Region. Water Trail and similar trails that we hope organizations that serve on the Ohio "Many boating deaths and injuries to designate through future partnerships Water Trails workgroup include the Ohio across the nation can be prevented if all will improve public access to some of Parks and Recreation Association (Ohio the victims had been wearing life jackets," Ohio’s finest outdoor recreation Greenways), the National Park Service’s says Ware. opportunities." Rivers & Trails Program, the League of ▲ ▲ ▲ According to Speck, the department Ohio Sportsmen and the Ohio hopes to designate additional water trails Smallmouth Alliance. in the future. A water trail is similar to a hiking or biking trail with one critical ▲ ▲ ▲

DMR Marine Patrol Rescues Three from Bayou Caddy

The Mississippi Department of rough with 3- to 5-foot waves and 15- to Ordoyne from the marsh and took them Marine Resources (DMR) Marine Patrol 25-knot winds. to shore at Bayou Caddy where they were responded to a call May 1 at 9:45 a.m. En route to the scene, Lt. Rusty met by marine patrol officers Jimmy about three adults and a two-year-old girl Pittman and Master Sgt. Mike Yonce Hester and Steve Kelly. American Medical left stranded in the waters east of Bayou received a call at 10:35 a.m. from a boater Response transported the three survivors Caddy in the Mississippi Sound when in the vicinity of Bayou Caddy who had to Hancock Medical Center in Bay St. their boat swamped. recovered some items floating in the water. Louis where they were treated for Marine patrol officers, in the Pass The officers launched from Bay St. Louis hypothermia. The parents were released Christian office, received the call from the and arrived on the scene at 10:45 a.m., later that day and the girl was released the boat owner’s mother, who said her son had spotting something orange in the marsh following day. called her after a wave came over the bow about half a mile south of the mouth of The Coast Guard recovered the body of his 14-foot boat, filling it with water. Bayou Caddy in Hancock County. They of Freddie Estay Jr., 32, of Pennsylvania at She said the boaters had been camping on found James Ordoyne, 25, of Saucier, his approximately 2:45 p.m. May 1 at the west the Wolf River and were traveling to wife Rose, 22, and their two-year-old side of the Bayou Caddy Channel, within Bayou Caddy to get a sleeping bag when daughter Ashlee huddled in the marsh and half a mile of where the survivors were their boat started taking on water. At 10 wearing life jackets. The couple informed rescued, and transported the victim to the a.m. Marine Patrol had the Hancock the officers that their cousin, who was not Bayou Caddy boat ramp where they County Sheriff’s Office notify the Coast wearing a life jacket, had drifted away and released the body to the Hancock County Guard to send a helicopter to help search they feared he had drowned. Coroner. for the missing boaters. Sunday’s seas were Marine Patrol officers Pittman and ▲ ▲ ▲ Yonce retrieved James, Rose and Ashlee

19 | jul/aug 2005 | NASBLA small craft advisory BoatU.S. Foundation Announces Boating Safety Grant Winners

Visit any marina or waterfront Boat Owners Association of The United Boating Safety Grant program, visit community and you'll find volunteers States, (BoatU.S.). For more information www.BoatUS.com/Foundation. working hard to keep our waterways safe on the BoatU.S. Foundation and its ▲ ▲ ▲ for boaters. To help these volunteers continue their good work, the BoatU.S. Foundation for Boating Safety & Clean 2005 BoatU.S. Foundation Water has awarded over $40,000 in grants Boating Safety Grant Recipients to nonprofit groups to spread the message Alaska: U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary 0205, to reproduce the "Emergency Procedures" boating sticker and about safe boating practices. translate it into Inupiat, Korean, Japanese, Togalog and Chinese. To encourage excellence in grant California: Santa Barbara Maritime Museum, for the "Boating Safety Equipment and Education" exhibit, performance, these groups will be eligible which will display a variety of personal safety gear and other safety related equipment. for a new honor, the Boating Safety Outreach Award, which will be bestowed Georgia: West Point Lake Coalition Water Safety Council, for the production of 10 water and boating safety signs for courtesy docks and bridges in local boating areas. to the group that completes the most innovative, resourceful and effective grant Idaho: U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary 0887, to design and install signs at each of the 22 boat launches project. surrounding Lake Pend Oreille and the Pend Oreille River encouraging boaters to wear life jackets. Groups providing the Foundation a Kentucky: Elkhorn Land & Historic Trust, Inc., to create and distribute 20,000 "Slip 'n' Click" mini posters final report at the completion of their demonstrating the importance of slipping on a life jacket and hearing the strap fasteners click shut. project will be eligible for the Boating Louisiana: Livingston Parish Waterway Commission, to distribute 600 "We Were Caught Wearing Our Safety Outreach Award, which gives the Life Jackets" T-shirts to local boaters. winner an additional $500 to use toward Maine: Lake Region Safe Lakes Assn., to create and distribute literature, signs, rack cards and articles their project. encouraging boaters to wear life jackets. "We'll evaluate how successful each group was in terms of effectiveness, Michigan: Kent County Safety and Community Action Fund, to distribute 1,000 water bottles and 2,000 color flyers. professionalism, innovation and the use of positive messages," said Ruth Wood, Missouri: SEMO Regional Water Safety Council Inc., to design and distribute 250 "Safe Boaters Wear Life president of the BoatU.S. Foundation. Jackets" T-shirts. "This is a way for us to say, 'job well done,' Minnesota: Kings Kinnie Inc., to print and distribute 1,000 copies of "My First Book on Boating, a Guide and supplement a successful program with to Boating Safety for the Young Boater." extra funds." Nevada: Southern Nevada Sea Partners, to purchase various types and styles of life jackets that will be The BoatU.S. Foundation, a national used for elementary school presentations. 501(c)(3) nonprofit education and North Carolina: New River Foundation Inc., to establish 18 safety signs geared toward life jacket usage research organization, received 100 at main boat ramps and the Cowhorn paddle trail. applications for its 2005 Boating Safety Grant cycle. Of these, 22 groups from New Jersey: U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary 0204, to create and distribute 500 life jacket foam drink holders Alaska to Georgia were selected to receive and flyers with safety messages regarding the importance of life jacket usage. grants. New York: City Island Power Squadron, to create and distribute 1,000 "Yardstick for Boating Safety" With this year's grant focus on decals. increasing the voluntary use of life jackets New York: U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary 1109, to create and distribute 1,000 16-page, full-color boating among all boaters, eight of the 22 groups safety booklets. included this theme in their grant New York: Erie Power Squadron, for two 3' x 5' outdoor vinyl banners promoting boating safety classes programs, which range from purchasing to new boaters in the area. life jackets for elementary school instruction to erecting boat ramp signage Ohio: Southern Ohio Marine Traders Assn., to design and distribute promotional materials and to purchase life jackets for the Cincinnati Boat Show. highlighting the need for life jackets for all aboard. Other grant projects include Pennsylvania: Erie Safe Boating Task Force, to create and distribute 1,000 Chap sticks "on a leash," producing an "emergency procedures" featuring boating safety messages. sticker for boaters in four languages, a Pennsylvania: Western Pennsylvania Search and Rescue, to construct five informational rescue stations museum boating safety exhibit, and a 16- and place them in Allegany County, PA. page, full color boating safety booklet. Utah: U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary 7, to design and post refueling procedure signs at all on-the-water gas Since 1988, the Foundation has refueling points within the state. awarded over $575,000 in boating safety Virginia: Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University student - Sarah E. Taylor, to research and grants to fund projects that promote design practical and comfortable life jackets specific to paddlers and similar user groups. responsible boating at the local level. Funds are derived from the voluntary Wisconsin: Jackson County DIVE Team, for a row boat and safety gear that will be used for on-the-water training and safety education. contributions of the 590,000 members of

NASBLA small craft advisory | jul/aug 2005 | 20 partner PERSPECTIVES

Commodore Warren E. McAdams National Directorate Commodore for Recreational Boating Safety, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Watersports and Unfinished Business

Maybe I am missing something, but Inflatable PFDs have been a huge In addition we have received there does not appear to be any recent success but many boaters remain unaware questions on what to use for infants. A major additions to the watersports of the benefits offered by these devices. search on the World Wide Web reveals category. Paddlesports are growing and Further, enhancements and innovations that there is nothing readily available for there are many evolutionary designs of such as inflatable belt packs have been babies in arms. Some state websites kayaks in particular that are available. Also introduced; but, even those designs have candidly suggest that infants less than six there are a number of thrill-oriented toys some problems. For example, while we tell months of age should be left in the care of such as wakeboards and kiteboards boaters that it is difficult to don a PFD baby sitters when the family goes boating! available but for the most part these are after a person is in the water, some of the As far as I know, there are no floating viewed as or sold as part of the extreme belt packs are also difficult to put on once infant seats or other options. For sports segment of the market. they are inflated. conscientious boaters, here is a problem in Boats specifically designed to pull As we teach children’s classes other search of a solution. skiers have been around for years, but now issues have surfaced during this boating Let’s go back to adult PFDs. In the there are some designs – aimed at the design of PFDs, many think that wakeboard crowd – that have ballast tanks technology has progressed as far as it to help produce awesome wakes. If you are reasonably possible to expect. I, for one, anchored or moored near one of these hope that is not the case. If we are to boats in operation, you may experience succeed at increasing the voluntary wear some discomfort. But, operated properly, rate of PFDs, we need continuing these boats enhance the wakeboard innovation and new designs. As they come experience. available, leading-edge PFDs are likely to There are larger personal watercraft be expensive but, at some level, they will (PWC) models that can tow as well as be purchased and used. Then, as we all carry. Off-throttle steering is available on a know, competition and continuing high percentage of these machines and, as development will make newer designs a class, PWC operators have matured over more affordable. the past several years. At least where I boat By the way, for all you inventers out there are not many conflicts between there, the BoatU.S. Foundation and the PWC and other boat types. Personal Flotation Device Manufacturers Watersports are still evolving and we Association are sponsoring a life jacket will continue to see more specialized boat design contest that offers a cash prize. If designs and additional water toys. you have some thoughts, you may want to However, one piece of unfinished submit your ideas! Visit business is the availability of more www.BoatUS.com/Foundation/lifejacketd wearable life jackets or personal flotation esign or call the BoatU.S. Foundation at devices (PFDs). Over the past couple years Watersports of all sorts continue to be popular pastimes for recreational 703.823.9550for more information. we have experienced a nice debate on the boaters. Photo courtesy the National Marine Manufacturers Association We have come a long way in recent possibility of mandatory PFD wear; but years and we need to maintain the energy no breakthroughs – legislative or otherwise that has gone into PFD improvements and – are apparent on the horizon. season. Even with the availability of newer continue to search for other viable No matter how we preach and plead, designs for the very young, we still have solutions. In this game, the stakes are high adults continue to resist the wear of PFDs. some problem areas. For small children, and worth pursuing. In addition, variables such as boat size are many PFD designs have a through-the- ▲ ▲ ▲ mitigating against an across-the-board set legs-strap to prevent losing the PFD when of rules. PFD wear rules for youth have a child is in the water. However, these come a long way, but there are still issues straps often cause chaffing and solutions to be worked there. are needed for that problem.

21 | jul/aug 2005 | NASBLA small craft advisory coast guard COMMENTS

Jeff Hoedt Chief, Office of Boating Safety Watersports: Boating Fun with Challenges This issue of Small Craft Advisory themselves boaters or take adequate safety To prevent fatalities, the wearing of focuses on watersports and boating. The measures, often leading to negative PFDs is a common key. And, we’re all term "watersports" has various outcomes. In response, we’ve implemented striving to discover effective voluntary interpretations. It can mean water-skiing, strategies to attempt to resolve this safety strategies to enhance PFD wear. paddling, fishing, racing or just plain challenge. To prevent injuries, what’s the key? Is boating. They’re all fun, and they all have In another watersport – water-skiing it education, experience, or some other challenges. For those participating, the – we have other challenges. While many strategy? We’re stilling learning about this challenge is the fun. And, for those in states have laws related to the use of as we strive to keep boating fun and to boating safety, the challenge is the outcome. mirrors, observers, personal flotation make it even safer. To all of us in boating Statistics have indicated that people devices (PFDs), or even skier-down flag, safety, the challenge is ours. Let’s continue who perceive the use of a boat simply as a we still experience a very high number of to work together and meet the outcome tool to accomplish the challenge (paddlers, injuries. In fact, 12 percent of the reported challenge. fishers, hunters) often don’t consider boating injuries in 2003 were skiing-related.

Recreational Boating – a Traditional Watersport By Bruce Schmidt, Office of Boating Safety, U.S. Coast Guard Whether you use your boat to go any position while supporting the passengers overloaded and/or improperly loaded small cruising, water skiing, paddling, rowing, clinging to the boat with water approximately boat with passengers and/or gear is six times sailing or fishing – you’re boating. According at the neck level. more likely to capsize than a properly loaded to the National Survey of Recreation and the Going a step further, the level flotation boat. Environment (NSRE), over 77 million adults standard went into effect August 1, 1978, and Each year, open motorboats that capsize age 16 and over went boating in 2003. These required boats to have enough buoyancy to or involve an occupant falling overboard result boaters spent more than 1.3 billion days on float level when swamped with the passengers in more drownings than all other types of the water using their motorboats, canoes, seated inside. This standard targeted the reported accidents combined. From 1999 to personal watercraft, kayaks, sailboats and largest segment of the recreational boating 2003, 933 boaters died as a result of capsizing other types of boats to recreate. population – all mono-hull outboard powered or falling overboard their open motorboat that According to the latest estimates from boats less than 20 feet in length; exempting was less than 21 feet in length. Eighty-seven the 2004 PFD Wear Observation Study sailboats, canoes, kayaks and inflatable boats. percent of those victims drowned, and nine conducted by JSI Research and Training However, implementing standards that out of 10 of those drowning victims were not Institute, boating simply for "pleasure" is the require boats to be manufactured at a high wearing their PFDs. leading boating activity – exceeding all other level of safety does not guarantee risk-free What this means is that hundreds of activities combined in popularity. Boaters boating – as observed annually in the number open motorboat capsizing and fall overboard know getting out on the water enhances their of boaters who drown as a result of either drownings could have been prevented during quality of life, promotes a healthy lifestyle, and capsizing or falling overboard. these years if these boaters had worn their enables them to appreciate and enjoy the Accident reports suggest these boaters PFDs. These findings underscore the environment. simply don’t expect to end up in the water – responsibility of boaters to wear their PFD so However, recreational boating has costs. they’re recreating and assume they’ll go into they are prepared and better able to survive an It comes at the price of exercising judgment, the water only when they decide to leave the unexpected entry into the water. Unfortunately, responsibility and preparedness in a vessel. This mindset gets boaters in trouble. the most recent observation study finds that potentially unforgiving environment. The Boaters who: (1) ignore weather reports and speed boats/runabouts, which make up the Federal Boat Safety Act of 1971 (FBSA) end up operating in hazardous waters with most popular type of boat observed, show low recognized these costs and was passed in deteriorating weather conditions, (2) drink PFD wear rates among adults, fluctuating response to an unacceptable number of alcoholic beverages, and (3) ignore their around 4.5 percent over the seven years of boaters who paid the ultimate price to recreate capacity label and overload their small boats data, with no indication of an increasing trend. – their lives. (under 21 feet in length) put themselves at Thus, even though recreational boating The Coast Guard recognized the inherent considerable risk for either capsizing or falling brings a sense of freedom and restoration to risks of drowning associated with the use of overboard. one’s health, we all need to be mindful of the open motorboats shortly after passage of the Using the Boating Risk Analysis responsibility we have to ourselves, our fellow FBSA. On August 1, 1973, the basic flotation Information System to isolate and rank the boaters, and to our family and friends for standard went into effect and required any relative importance of contributing factors responsible boating. This tradition needs be structural part of a swamped boat to float in associated with a capsizing, we see that an passed on to future generations.

NASBLA small craft advisory | jul/aug 2005 | 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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2005-2006 RECREATIONAL BOATING SAFETY CALENDAR

SEPTEMBER 2005 OCTOBER 2005 NOVEMBER 2005 MAY 2006 1 - 3 8 - 12 12 - 13 14 - 17 U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary States Organization for Boating Access American Canoe Association Western States Boating Administrators Association National Conference Annual Conference, Exhibition and Annual Meeting Annual Conference Orlando, Florida Members Meeting Fairfax, Virginia Kauai, Hawaii 253.631.1674 Springfield, Illinois 703.451.0141 208.334.4180 x 224

6 - 11 15 JANUARY 2006 16 United States Power Squadrons National Boating Federation National Safe Boating Week Governing Board Meeting Fall Meeting 4 - 8 Congressional Reception Portland, Oregon Michigan City, Indiana United States Power Squadrons Washington, D.C. 888.367.8777 219.763.3777 or [email protected] Annual Meeting 703.361.4294 Orlando, Florida 11 - 17 18 - 23 888.367.8777 20 - 26 International Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies Canadian Sail & Power Squadrons North American Safe Boating Campaign Annual Meeting Annual Conference FEBRUARY 2006 703.361.4294 Nashville, Tennessee Winnipeg, Manitoba www.SafeBoatingCampaign.com 25 - March 1 202.624.7890 416.293.2438 [email protected] International Association of Marine Investigators 17 - 21 19 - 23 Annual Meeting NASBLA US Sailing Virginia Beach, Virginia AUGUST 2006 Annual Conference Annual General Meeting 866.844.4264 15 - 20 Portland, Oregon Phoenix, Arizona United States Power Squadrons 859.225.9487 or [email protected] 401.683.0800 APRIL 2006 Governing Board Meeting 30 - May 3 New York, New York 23 - 26 International Boating and Water Safety Summit 888.367.8777 Canadian Safe Boating Council Palm Harbor, Florida Annual Conference 703.361.42974 Honey Harbour, Ontario Canada 501.844.2197 www.csbc.ca

Mark Your Calendar NASBLA 46TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE September 17-21, 2005 • Portland, Oregon

Portland Marriott Downtown 1401 SW Naito Parkway • Portland, OR 97201

Reservations: 503.226.7600 or 888.236.2427 Photo courtesy Portland Oregon Visitors Association/Brent Bradley