JUL/AUG 2004 VOL.19 - NO.4 national association of state boating law administrators

PaddlesportsPaddlesports ParticipationParticipation EscalatesEscalates

NASBLANASBLA SupportsSupports StatesStates inin MeetingMeeting BoatingBoating SafetySafety NeedsNeeds

Low Head Dams Pose Risk to Paddlers

WaterWater TrailsTrails PromotePromote BoatingBoating

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

The official publication of the National Association of Fred Messmann State Boating Law Administrators NASBLA President Partnerships with Paddlesports Groups Are Key in Improving Safety

I own two paddleboats; however, they are not paddleboat. We all have limited resources, and by PRESIDENT or . My paddlecraft are layout boats that I use partnering we can increase our effectiveness. Fred Messmann to pursue my favorite sport – duck hunting. Therefore, in addition to being a boater, I fit into I am thrilled that Pam Dillon is the executive director VICE PRESIDENT another category – hunter/fisherman. Sportsmen of the American Association. She is a Randy Edwards typically don’t consider themselves boaters. Unlike dedicated professional that knows both sides of the the usual profile, though, I always wear my life jacket. issues. I just met Matt Menashes, executive director of PPA, but after dinner one evening with frank SECRETARY/TREASURER Participation in paddlesports has recently exploded. discussions of the concerns, I felt like we had known Charlie Sledd Users enjoy being in the outdoors, whether each other for a long time. Why? We learned that we peacefully on quiet waters viewing nature have a lot more in common than we knew. I think EXECUTIVE EDITOR or partaking of extreme white-water rapid runs. this is more frequent across the spectrum of recreational John Johnson Many of the thrill and challenge paddlers wear their boating, whether paddlers, sailors, or power boaters. personal flotation devices (PFDs) because they are MANAGING EDITOR aware of the risks involved in their chosen sport. Another boating law administrator who is deeply Ron Sarver Many of these paddlers learn the importance of involved with paddlesports issues is Jeff Johnson safety from organized groups, therefore the PFD from Alaska. Jeff serves as the chairman of NASBLA’s wear rate among these paddlers is high. Paddlesports Subcommittee, which is part of the EDITOR organization’s Education Committee. Kimberly Hermes In addition, several livery or rental companies provide PFDs for their customers and require them I was pleased with my reception at the recent ART DIRECTOR to be worn. Not only does this ensure that the International Boating and Water Safety Summit Michelle Huber-Kropp customer returns with the canoe and is able to return (held in April 2004) where I was invited to make a for future rentals but it also reduces the livery’s liability. presentation to the PPA members. I advised them CIRCULATION DIRECTOR that NASBLA has been working with the ACA on Joan Minton Where we have increased accident concerns are with the registration issue. I also expressed NASBLA’s non-organized and inexperienced paddlers – those desire to spend more on outreach and access and who borrow from a friend for that one-time explained how doing so unfairly reduces the funding EDITORIAL OFFICES inspiration or who buy a boat from a local discount for projects that power boaters are paying for. 1500 Leestown Road, Suite 330 store where the sporting goods dealer does not know Lexington KY 40511 or take the time to discuss the significance of safety I then likened the benefits power boaters receive to Phone: 859.225.9487 in these watercraft. an investment which they willingly support. I Fax: 859.231.6403 suggested that perhaps paddlers should step back and E-mail: [email protected] The single biggest intervention to reducing fatalities look at this as an opportunity versus a burden. in paddlecraft is the proper use of PFDs by entry- level private paddlers. Paddlers need more access and boat safety needs better avenues to reach paddlers with safety messages © Small Craft Advisory (ISSN: 1066-2383) Published One of my goals as NASBLA president is to make and the ability to determine the scope of the bimonthly by the National Association of State Boating Law sure we are communicating with all our constituents. problem. We don’t know how many paddlecraft Administrators, 1500 Leestown Rd, Suite 330, Lexington, We have done a pretty good job, but it disturbs me there are on America’s waters. In addition, the odds KY 40511 (six issues). Subscription is $12 annually. Contact NASBLA for permission to reprint articles, 859.225.9487. to go to meetings and be criticized as inattentive to of a stolen paddlecraft being recovered are slim to Send change of address to Small Craft Advisory, 1500 multiple waterway users’ needs. I believe under the none due to lack of registration which could be used Leestown Road, Suite 330, Lexington KY 40511. past leadership of NASBLA committee chairs we to track the vessel. have invited all interests to sit at the table with us, either by us identifying a problem or by them Of course, accidents, from simple rescues of those identifying a need to work with us. wearing PFDs to recoveries of those not wearing ABOUT THE COVER PFDs, are something law enforcement officers deal Working with the American Canoe Association with regardless of who pays. BAIRAC has been Enjoyed by people of all ages, skills and (ACA) and the Professional Paddlesports Association working with the ACA and has implemented backgrounds, paddlesports continue to (PPA), NASBLA is making progress in accident investigator training to get a better picture grow in popularity at a rapid pace. The understanding each organization’s goals. I am pleased of what is happening with paddlecraft accidents. We to report that Tim Peabody (the recently retired are also working with the Coast Guard in revising the National Association of State Boating Law boating law administrator from Maine) is accident report form to capture needed data we have Administrators, the American Canoe negotiating a memorandum of understanding previously lumped in other categories. Association, the Professional Paddlesports between NASBLA and these two paddling organizations. Association, and other boating safety I had better stop here, as I write this it is a weekend advocates are working together to improve NASBLA, the ACA and PPA all have the ultimate and I think I will take my layout boat out for a little safety among paddlesport enthusiasts. goal of decreasing fatalities and injuries from any quiet fishing trip. type of accident, whether it be or falling Photo by Tim Smalley, Minnesota Department overboard, low head dams, or power boat versus of Natural Resources

NASBLA small craft advisory • jul/aug 2004 • page 1 nasbla NEWS

"I think the largest need in boating safety in our Juan became the territory’s BLA in March 2003 Welcome Aboard state," said Roy, "is convincing people that while when the former BLA, Capt. Francis Taimanao, The National Association of State Boating Law under way they wear a personal flotation device.” transferred to the agency’s Fire Division. Administrators would like to welcome aboard two of its newest members. As Wisconsin’s BLA, Roy would like to re- "Education is still a challenge," said Juan when evaluate the curriculum being used for the asked about the biggest need in boating safety. Roy Zellmer, Wisconsin state’s boating safety classes and bolster the "No matter how many classes and public Roy Zellmer, from Baraboo, Wisc., is an avid instructor corps. He also wants to review the service announcements are conducted, people boater. He enjoys recreational boating, and wardens training program as it pertains to still ignore the importance of water safety." occasionally does some tubing. He and his boating enforcement and make sure the state family are beginning to take up paddlesports. has the best training program available. Juan said that he plans to improve the boating- "We are changing over our fleet to related laws on the islands. He said that they canoes/kayaks for my family to try something "I would like to make sure that we are as up to need to update the laws and implement stricter new," Roy said. date as possible in educating the public on safe enforcement and penalties for violators. boat operation and how to be safe on the water Roy applied for the Wisconsin boating law in general." administrator (BLA) position in December 2003 after John Lacenski retired. He was Juan Salas, Northern Mariana Islands named BLA this March. Major Juan Salas with the Department of Letter to the Editor... Public Safety serves as the boating law administrator for the Northern Mariana Islands. Thanks for such an informative magazine. As vice chair of the Ohio Waterway Safety Council, I try to read all sides of the stories and Regional Officers of the Year Selected to stay focused on boating is really "fun"......

The regional associations of the National The National Association of State Boating Law Warren McAdams' article on "PFD" this issue Association of State Boating Law Administrators Administrators (NASBLA) began awarding the [May/June 2004, page 21], was most objective have selected their respective boating law Boating Law Enforcement Officer of the Year and very informative. I agree, we need to start enforcement officers of the year for 2004. Award in 2000. Sponsored with support from with the kids and improve the "voluntary" Brunswick Commercial & Government Products concept of wearing a PFD...... As stylish as Northern Association of Boating Administrators Inc., this program was designed to recognize the new boaters are, this will be an uphill fight. Officer George C. Geisler Jr. outstanding boating law enforcement officers. Please keep us informed on the August 25 NTSB meeting. Southern States Boating Law Administrators The next step is to select one of these officers as Association the recipient of the 2004 Butch Potts Boating Jack Hern Investigator Charles Collins Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award. Hern's Marine Cincinnati, Ohio Western States Boating Administrators The national recipient will be announced Association during the annual NASBLA conference, Sept. Deputy Donald Schmitz 11-15, 2004, in Chattanooga, Tenn.

Officer George Geisler Jr. was named the Northern Association of Boating Administrators boating officer of the year during the regional association’s meeting in June. Deputy Donald Schmitz receives the Western States Boating Administrators Standing with him are (left-right) John Simmons, boating law administrator for Pennsylvania; Jeremy Davis with Brunswick Commercial & Government Products Inc.; and Association boating officer of the year award from WSBAA President Ray Brian Kempf, NABA awards chair. Staff photos Tsuneyoshi during the group’s annual conference in May.

NASBLA small craft advisory • jul/aug 2004 • page 2 Investigating Paddlesports ACCIDENTS By Patrick R. Lemagie

Imagine it’s a typical summer holiday weekend – temperatures in the mid-80s with a gentle breeze, and your marine patrol resources are spread thin. You are the supervisor of a marine unit in a jurisdiction with a variety of water sport recreation opportunities. Late in the afternoon where capsizing your dispatcher advises that he is receiving among the rocks is information that a kayaker may be missing on considered the the White . This river is infamous for its norm rather than the variety of white-water conditions including exception. Again, relatively calm water up in the hills but experienced paddlers changing quickly to Class IV as it passes know that wearing through the . You have been there on a helmets is important for number of occasions and know the problems safe white water . that inexperienced paddlers can encounter. The "where and when" questions Initial reports indicate that a group of kayakers unfortunate accident that can only be approximated without have reported that one of their members failed sometimes happens on white water but after all, collaborating evidence or information, but the to show up at their pre-determined meeting accidents happen and there’s not much we can "how and why" are often the most important point after paddling through the canyon. Upon do about it sometimes. Besides, all the questions. In this case, as in many others, the reaching the location where the group had paperwork has kept you away from being out answers to these questions can be obtained only started from you contact the member of the on the water patrolling and making the water through a complete and through investigation. party that has stayed behind to report their safer for all concerned. situation. You soon learn that the missing The way this accident was originally reported boater is a male in his 30s and has only been Has the officer done a through investigation of indicates only that it was an unfortunate paddling with this group once before. Your this fictitious accident or has he simply accident on a river. reporting party assures you that all in their reported it? Let’s look at the case further. group are experienced and were all wearing life When properly documented and reported, jackets. It’s getting late in the evening by the The "who" was easy in this case since there events surrounding accidents are compared time the remainder of the group has returned were friends available to answer these with similar accidents where patterns may from their second trip down the river to look questions. However, the officer should have become apparent. Often, such patterns lead to for their friend. You learn that the victim’s noticed a red flag when he learned that the corrective measures such as safety regulations was seen caught in a drift of debris but victim had only been kayaking with the group and improved standards. Additionally, training that they were unable to locate their once before. Just what was the experience of the and education recommendations come into companion. During the night, you contact the victim? How about the vessel? Did identifying play in an attempt to make the sport safer for necessary search and rescue personnel to the kayak as a 12’ Sport kayak fully answer the all. Yes, there will always be accidents but we as commence a search at first light hoping for the best. "what" of the investigation? investigators shouldn’t compound the tragedy by overlooking the bigger picture. Look at the Unfortunately, after a couple of hours of If the investigator had simply gone online or entire case and do a thorough investigation. searching, the worst is confirmed. A short obtained a marine store catalog he would have Look at what can be learned from that accident distance upstream from where the kayak was found that the Sport model kayak is marketed in the White River Canyon and how these reported, the body of the victim is located on a as a perfect for "lakes and lessons can be passed on. Then, and only then, small beach created by an eddy behind a large slow moving " and for "adults and will the investigation be complete. Anything rock. The victim is still wearing a classic Type II children alike." Does this sound like a white less is simply not acceptable. PFD and shows signs of trauma to his head and water kayak suitable for Class IV rapids? How arms. The kayak is retrieved and identified as a about the victim’s personal flotation device? A Patrick R. Lemagie, retired sergeant with the Sport brand kayak, 12 feet in length. There is little research and a complete investigation Pierce County (Washington) Sheriff’s little, if any, damage to this vessel. After would reveal that someone wearing a type II Department, is an avid boater and fisherman. completing statements from witnesses you PFD for white water kayaking is most likely During the last three years, Pat has served as an return to your office to complete your inexperienced. Although not required by law, instructor with the National Association of State investigation and report. Fortunately for you, there are specific types of life jackets Boating Law Administrators’ boating accident this turns out to be a rather simple recommended for use in kayaks that provide investigation course. In 2000, he was selected as investigation. You begin by answering the, greater safety in white water. How about a the Marine Law Enforcement Officer of the year "who, what, where, when, why and how" of the spray skirt? There is no mention of a spray skirt for Washington. He went on to be selected both accident. It all seems pretty obvious. And since which is a necessity for white water kayaking regionally and nationally as NASBLA’s Marine there is no property damage to speak of and the and could very well have been a contributing Law Enforcement Officer of the year for 2001. factor in this accident. Just as important was victim is evidently at fault, there is no one to charge and this case can be closed. Yes, it was an the absence of a helmet. It was noted that the victim had sustained obvious head trauma in a

NASBLA small craft advisory • jul/aug 2004 • page 3 associate SPOTLIGHT

Mercury Marine involvement with NASBLA. Snyder worked as Statistical Surveys director of Mercury Marine’s Product and Founded in 1939, Mercury Marine began as Statistical Surveys Inc., an independent market Safety Division until his retirement in 2001. the Kiekhaefer Corporation of Cedarburg, research firm, began reporting on the boating He continues to do contract work for Mercury. Wis., when Carl Kiekhaefer and a small but industry in 1995. Shortly after that, the firm dedicated staff of employees sought to design became an associate member of the National "I have also been able to increase my and produce the best possible boat engine. Association of State Boating Law knowledge of small-boat crashes by Administrators. participating in NASBLA-sponsored boat From its modest and inauspicious start, crashes performed at Mercury Marine's testing Mercury Marine, a division of Brunswick "We felt that by joining the states’ organization facilities in both Wisconsin and Florida. I have Corporation of Lake Forest, Ill., has grown into we could help with defining titling and further enriched my knowledge of boating an industry leader recognized worldwide for its registration documents," said Dick DuMont, safety issues by actively participating in every ability to foresee and fulfill the needs of its vice president of Statistical Surveys’ Watercraft BAIRAC and Boats and Associated Equipment consumers. In addition, Mercury has grown to Division. "This would not only help NASBLA committee meeting over the last 15 years." become the world's leading manufacturer of but help our firm too." marine propulsion systems. In addition to providing invaluable advice and As an associate member of the organization technical information, Mercury Marine has Mercury Marine has been an associate member that participates on committees and supports helped NASBLA by providing crash test sites, of the National Association of State Boating NASBLA’s various boating safety initiatives, boats, engines and personnel needed to Law Administrators (NASBLA) for over 15 Statistical Surveys helps NASBLA achieve its produce live boat crashes for educational and years. During that time the company has objective to ensure safe and enjoyable boating teaching purposes. Mercury has continued to participated in the nonprofit organization’s on our nation’s waterways. sponsor NASBLA participation of Boating Accident Investigation, Reporting and knowledgeable working engineers so that Analysis and Boats and Associated Equipment DuMont represents Statistical Surveys on NASBLA members might benefit from their committees. NASBLA’s Numbering and Titling technical industry perspective. Committee. He said his firm is "very interested "I have gained invaluable contacts (and friends) in helping the industry expand the hull relating to recreational boating safety in nearly identification number 17 characters." every state," commented Dick Snyder about his In addition to the many new friends met during conferences and other meetings, DuMont said their membership has helped keep Statistical Surveys aware of changes in registration policy. This, in turn, helps them better serve their customers – the boat builders of America.

Marine Retailers found the door to be open for cooperation and a 20-minute video to show to every boat buyer believe there is an excellent working and his or her family. The video demonstrates Association of America relationship between our two groups." why boating education will increase the The Marine Retailers Association of America customer's boating enjoyment and safety. (MRAA) was established in 1971 to "promote MRAA shares many of the safety concerns of the pleasure marine industry and welfare of NASBLA and has worked on various MRAA has also worked closely with NASBLA marine retailers." committees, such as long-range planning and to develop the rewrites of the boat safety education. MRAA has also attended many account and the American League of Anglers The nonprofit organization is a long-standing annual conferences and worked to develop and Boaters’ positions on the Aquatic associate member of the National Association important model acts, including the personal Resources (Wallop-Breaux) Trust Fund over the of State Boating Law Administrators watercraft model act. past 15 years. As an integral part of this process, (NASBLA). MRAA helped develop Boating Safety Dollars In an effort to increase safety and awareness on At Work – a book created to serve as a key "MRAA wishes to complement NASBLA on the water, the MRAA has developed the Dealer lobbying tool to better express the successes the success of its mission so far and looks Education Initiative. Geared toward boat achieved by various boating interests in making forward to working with NASBLA for many dealers, the video provides the tools to become the waters a safer place for Americans to years to come," said MRAA Government proactive in selling the need for boating recreate. Affairs Director Larry Innis. "We have always education to customers. The program contains

NASBLA small craft advisory • jul/aug 2004 • page 4 NASBLA Supports States in National Recreational Boating Safety Program By Fred Messmann and John Johnson

For more than 40 years, the National for recreational boating. Although the states enhance the economic impact of recreational Association of State Boating Law and the agency work cooperatively to make boating. Administrators (NASBLA) has worked to boating safer, there are frequently significant promote the interests of the states within the differences between the "federal" and "state" When dealing with a particularly difficult national recreational boating safety (RBS) approaches to achieving our goals. legislative or regulatory issue within the state, it program and to create a means for the states to is not uncommon for a boating law work together to make recreational boating NASBLA has helped the states successfully administrator to seek NASBLA’s assistance in safer throughout the 56 states and territories. challenge the over-regulation and surveying the other states to find potential "federalization" of recreational boating for solutions or approaches to the problem. In as As one of its foremost partners in boating more than four decades. By maintaining a little as 24 hours, NASBLA staff have been able safety, NASBLA has helped the U.S. Coast proactive and forward-looking perspective on to query the states on a particular issue or set of Guard bridge the gap between the federal and regulatory issues, NASBLA’s committee issues, compile the survey responses and issue a state roles to meet the safety needs of the structure allows experienced state officials in summary of findings to satisfy a member’s boating public. By working cooperatively, the fields ranging from marine law enforcement inquiry. states, the Coast Guard and NASBLA have and boater education to waterways achieved a sixty percent reduction in the number management and accident analysis to of boating deaths over the last 30 years even participate directly in policy setting forums Providing Training, Information, though the volume of boats has more than with the Coast Guard, industry leaders and Support to States doubled. others to effect positive changes in federal Through its annual membership conferences regulations already in place and to guide the and business meetings, as well as its frequent development of fair and balanced regulations regional training courses and seminars, Securing Funding for the States when new national measures are warranted. NASBLA creates an environment where the Given that the national RBS program is states can benefit from the best that the boating implemented primarily by the states, NASBLA Efforts such as these have resulted in NASBLA law enforcement and education professions has always been a staunch advocate for ensuring becoming the internationally recognized have to offer. Countless boating law that the state boating programs receive a fair authority in areas including the development of administrators, enforcement agents, education and equitable share of the revenue generated by national standards for boater education and the specialists and others have attested to the value the federal motorboat fuel taxes boaters pay at development of sophisticated training of the information and expertise brought to the pumps. curriculum for marine officers in the areas of bear through the programs offered by the boating accident investigation and association. As a result, NASBLA’s top priority is to educate reconstruction and the effective detection and and inform Congress on the program needs of enforcement of boating under the influence In addition to the broad areas of support the states and to work with other national violations. The two leading causes of provided to the states as described above, leaders in the American League of Anglers and recreational boating accidents and fatalities are NASBLA also funnels a number of direct and Boaters (ALAB) to create a balanced platform limited boater education and alcohol specific benefits to the boating law of funding for all the recreational users of our involvement. administrator and the member agency each public waterways. year. A partial list of the specific products, services and opportunities provided to the Together with ALAB, NASBLA is promoting a Helping States Work With Each Other states as a return on their investment of legislative package that will nearly double the NASBLA was created first and foremost to member dues in the association is provided amount of federal grant funds available to the allow state boating administrators and their below. state boating programs over the next five years, staff to communicate better with each other. while simultaneously decreasing the mandatory Although a state boating agency cannot always Routine benefits furnished to NASBLA match paid by the states from 50 percent to 25 implement wholesale programs or laws from member states include, but are not limited to: percent. another state or jurisdiction, there certainly are many common areas and lessons from • BLA travel support to the annual For states such as Michigan, this new level of experience where one state can benefit from conference and training programs; funding will mean as much as an additional $2 working with another. In other words, "there’s • BLA travel support for participation in million for the boating program annually — no need to reinvent the (ship’s) wheel." national committee meetings; with no additional demands on state funds to • annual subscription to Small Craft meet the match. This important piece of The association has played a particularly Advisory — a magazine for boating legislation is part of the reauthorization of the important role in fostering uniformity and professionals; Aquatic Resources (Wallop-Breaux) Trust Fund reciprocity in boating laws and regulations both • copies of other publications including which is wrapped up in the national highway between neighboring states, and, in this the NASBLA Membership Directory, the bill and is almost universally expected to increasingly mobile society, among and National Vessel Numbering and Titling become law either this summer or early in the between states on opposite sides of the Manual, the Reference Guide to State next Congress. continent, as well as with our neighbors to the Boating Education Laws, the National north in . These days, boaters will drive BUI Training Curriculum, and the for hours and even days to enjoy a boating or National Boat Accident Investigation Monitoring Federal Regulations and fishing destination and our ability to create Training Curriculum, and numerous Challenging New Federal Mandates more uniform laws — state-to-state and other research reports; NASBLA represents the states’ interest not only nationwide — only serves to break down the • research, reference and referrals on before Congress but also with respect to the barriers to increase interstate tourism and boating law and administration; Coast Guard and its regulatory responsibilities ...continued on page 6

NASBLA small craft advisory • jul/aug 2004 • page 5 Grass Mural Alerts Boaters With a grant from the National Water Safety Congress, the Central Ohio Safe Boating Council undertook a unique approach to promote the wearing of life jackets this boating season. Council members painted this huge mural on a local dam that’s along a major route used by boaters. Photo courtesy U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

The Central Ohio Safe Boating Council Wattenschaidt, with the assistance of Mike will last for at least five weeks and will be seen undertook a unique approach to promote the Beair and Ranger John Wargo, also from by one to two million motorists as they drive wearing of life jackets this boating season. USACE Alum Creek Lake. Rt. 23."

In late June, staff members of the U.S. Army Wattenschaidt had painted a similar attention- The entire painting measures 60' by 94', with Corps of Engineers Alum Creek Lake designed grabbing boating safety message on Delaware the life jacket at 51' by 51' and the "WEAR IT" and painted a huge life jacket along with the Lake Dam in 1991. The Central Ohio Safe letters at 10' in height. words "WEAR IT." The painting was placed on Boating Council asked if he would do another Delaware Lake’s Dam in Delaware County, turf painting this year. Two newspapers, Columbus Dispatch and which is home to four major lakes that are Delaware Gazette have written news stories and heavily used by recreational boaters. The dam is The cost of the materials for this project was printed a color photo of this "PFD WEAR IT" located along the east side of Rt. 23, the main $180 for 14 gallons of turf paint, $12 for letter unique safe boating message. highway that Columbus, Ohio boaters use to stencils and $80 to rent an airless sprayer. The get to Lake Erie. project took two staff hours to mow and The paint used is water-based and safe for the prepare the grass for painting; two staff hours environment. In the meantime, the The USACE Alum Creek Lake and Delaware to lay out the drawing with stakes and line, and embankment is a perfect canvas for water-safety art. Lake staff are active members of the Central about nine staff hours to do the painting. "It’s kind of like free billboard space," Ohio Safe Boating Council. The Council Wattenschaidt said. "Maybe with all the traffic applied for and received a $500 grant from the "Rt. 23 is the gateway for Columbus to go to going by, somebody will see it and get the National Water Safety Congress to do this Lake Erie,’' said John Wargo, a U.S. Army message." project. Corps of Engineers ranger. " Our goal is just that somebody driving by will see it and when The image was designed and painted by they get on a boat, they’ll remember to put one USACE Alum Creek Lake Manager Bob on," said Wargo. "We estimate that the image

...continued from page 5

• legislative updates and policy briefings program personnel at the annual conference of the president but also in numerous committee on waterways management; National Association of State Boating Law chairmanships, as project leaders and as valued • regional officer training in BUI Administrators and the appropriate regional advisors. The states’ involvement in boating enforcement and accident investigation; Boating Law Administrators’ association" are part safety on the national level through NASBLA • access to the National Boater Education of the grant agreement. This acknowledgement will benefit boaters — in individual states and Standards & student exams. confirms the importance the Coast Guard across the nation — for years to come. places on working through NASBLA and its NASBLA’s central role in the federal/state conferences and communications programs to NASBLA’s leadership — comprised entirely of partnership in recreational boating safety is better inform the states. senior state boating law administrators — underscored and affirmed by the status the remains solely committed to meeting the needs of association is given in the language of the In conclusion, NASBLA has enjoyed a long the state boating programs and the boating public. State/Coast Guard grant agreement itself. On and mutually beneficial relationship with the The Executive Board and its staff welcome page 1 of the Financial Agreement in Section B, states’ boating programs, a relationship that has questions and suggestions from association the grant encourages the states to actively not been limited just to what the association members and encourage you to contact us directly participate in NASBLA by indicating that has done for the states either. In fact, state if we can provide any additional information and "travel and associated costs (including BLAs and staff have served the association assistance. membership dues) for attendance of State RBS through the years not only as officers and as

NASBLA small craft advisory • jul/aug 2004 • page 6 Get Outdoors Act Would Improve Recreational Boating

This Congress was presented with a Specifically, the bipartisan bill would provide • Title II guarantees $900 million in unique opportunity to establish a permanent $3.125 billion per year, derived from revenues yearly funding for the Land and Water trust fund to get Americans outdoors by from offshore energy production, for the Conservation Fund that can be used for providing access to parks and recreation areas in following purposes: a wide range of programs that will urban and rural communities, preserve historic benefit boaters. This includes efforts to places, promote healthy and active lifestyles, • $1.450 billion to state and local preserve, develop and assure accessibility and provide opportunities for hunting, angling governments for recreation and to outdoor recreation resources by and wildlife viewing for all Americans. conservation purposes; providing funds for planning, • $650 million to assist federal land acquisition and development of needed The bipartisan Get Outdoors (GO) Act (H.R. managers in maintaining and enhancing land and water areas and facilities. Half 4100) proposes to provide states and public lands; of this money goes to federal agencies municipalities with a permanent source of • $350 million to local governments near and the other half to states. matching funds for parks, wildlife, historic public lands to assist with community preservation and recreation. needs; • Title III provides $350 million in • $125 million to local governments for funding for Wildlife Restoration Act The bill was introduced on April 1, 2004 by urban parks and recreation programs; programs to promote hunting, fishing Rep. George Miller (D-Calif.) and Rep. Don • $350 million to enhance access to and wildlife viewing opportunities. This Young (R-Alaska) in an effort to address hunting, angling, and wildlife viewing; includes habitat management, and also America’s obesity crisis. • $50 million to protect imperiled wildlife includes "wildlife-associated recreation" and rare plants; and projects intended to meet the demand The GO Act responds to numerous studies • $160 million to preserve historic places. for outdoor activities associated with showing that people are more likely to be wildlife, such as construction or physically active if they have greater access to "For all Americans - whether they live in cities, restoration of wildlife viewing areas, nearby recreational opportunities. suburbs, or in rural areas - this bill will create observation towers, blinds, platforms, and sustain convenient, attractive places that land and water trails, and other facilities Research has shown that lack of physical people will want to go to have fun and get to make habitat areas available for activity is one of the root causes of obesity, exercise," said Miller. hunting fishing and viewing. States may which the federal Centers for Disease Control apply for grants to develop these and Prevention has declared is on track to A companion bill, the American Outdoors Act, programs. overtake tobacco as the leading cause of was introduced in the Senate on June 24, 2004 preventable death in the . It is by Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) and Sen. • Title V expands an existing program for estimated that obesity-related health problems Mary L. Landrieu (D-La.) and addresses major the rehabilitation of urban and suburban cost the U.S. economy nearly $100 billion conservation funding needs in much the same parks and recreation facilities. It provides annually. The GO Act would cost just roughly way the Get Outdoors Act does. $125 million in funding and would 3 percent of that, while providing more than $3 allow these funds to be used both for billion a year to achieve its goals. restoration of existing parks and How would the GO Act affect boating? facilities, and the development of new "We can shrink Americans’ waistlines by "The American Canoe Association has joined facilities. Funds would be available for expanding the number of goal lines and foul forces with American and others in local governments, primarily in urban lines in suburbs and inner cities," said Miller, support of this important legislation," said and suburban settings. the former chairman and current member of ACA Executive Director Pamela Dillon. "It is the House Resources Committee and the good for paddlers and boaters in general." • Title V also provides $160 million in current chairman of the House Democratic funding for the National Historic Policy Committee, "and by expanding the In researching the implications of the GO Act, Preservation Act Fund, $10 million of number of hiking trails, bike paths, and other ACA Stewardship and Public Policy Director which is set aside for Maritime Heritage public recreation opportunities throughout the Paul Sanford summarized the parts of the bill programs. The Maritime Heritage funds country. that relate to recreational boating: are available as grants to programs that foster a greater awareness and "Obesity is a public health crisis of the first • Title I of the Get Outdoors Act provides appreciation of the role of maritime order. And the Get Outdoors Act is a sensible $1 billion in assistance to states affected endeavors in our history and culture. way to help mitigate that public health crisis. by outer continental shelf offshore This includes activities to preserve "Congress cannot, and should not, tell drilling, to be used primarily for traditional maritime skills, and Americans what to eat, but we can fight the promoting healthy marine ecosystems. educational waterborne-experience battle of the bulge by investing in local parks, This includes cooperative enforcement programs in historical vessels. Funds recreation centers, soccer fields, and hiking of marine resource management laws, may also be used for maritime heritage trails. If we are serious about addressing the coordination and preparation of multi- trails and corridors, and for the repair, long-term cost of obesity-related health state conservation and resource restoration or improvement of historic problems, we have to recognize the importance management plans, and implementation maritime resources. of recreation opportunities for children, adults of marine and coastal conservation and and families," Miller said. management plans. Many of these The American Canoe Association contributed to efforts would be beneficial to boaters. this article.

NASBLA small craft advisory • jul/aug 2004 • page 7 Low Head Dams and the Paddler

By Gordon Black, ACA Director Safety Education and Instruction

Dams are built on rivers for many important hydraulic typically extends unbroken all the difficult to see against the background, so the reasons, such as controlling floodwaters, way across the base of the dam to the abutment unaware paddler may get dangerously close diverting water for household and industrial at each side. This problem, along with the before realizing his or her proximity to a life- use, and generating electricity. Dams also form backwash re-circulating the victim back threatening hazard. Warning signs and buoys impoundments, or lakes, which are are a must! All low head dams enjoyed by anglers, boaters and should have warning signs placed swimmers. Recreational water far enough upstream that will alert releases from these impoundments paddlers early enough that they can provide enjoyment for millions of safely get to shore. These signs are paddlers each year. Literally many subject to being washed away, thousands of dams have been built in damaged or vandalized, so they the United States over the last few must be inspected and maintained hundred years. regularly. Several states have regulations governing dam warning While there are various hazards signage; all should. associated with many dams, one particular type, the low head dam, is Simply warning boaters of the of particular danger to paddlers. danger is not enough. A viable These dams are designed to allow alternative route should be water to flow over the top of the provided. A trail that allows structure, usually along the entire boaters to carry their boats safely width of the dam, from riverbank to around the dam must be clearly riverbank. As the water flows over the marked and maintained. Boating dam, it falls into the downstream side safety courses should include and forms a "hydraulic jump," explanations of this serious hazard commonly called a hydraulic, and should teach boaters how to undertow or backwash. This is a recognize and avoid low head dams. powerful re-circulating current that Emergency rescue and self-rescue can trap and hold boats, people and techniques need to be understood other objects. This water is typically by all boaters, particularly paddlers aerated so much that even a strong because of the special circumstances swimmer wearing a life jacket is often raised above. unable to catch a breath, and may be pummeled by various objects that All paddlers should know the have been caught up in the hydraulic. dangers present on rivers, especially Even small dams with drops of the specific ones found on their around one foot can, with enough intended route. Paddlers should flow, form deadly "drowning follow good safety practices and machines." Taller dams may present seek out training so that they can no danger at low flow rates, but can safely enjoy their sport, and also so suddenly become dangerous if flow that they won’t endanger rescue rates increase. professionals or others in the event of an accident. The powerful backwash, or upstream Low head dams, like the one shown above, pose a serious danger to boaters, particularly to paddlesport enthusiasts. current associated with hydraulics These dams are virtually invisible from upstream, plus the hydraulic jump resulting from the water falling over the dam The American Canoe Association as may extend many feet, even yards, creates a powerful undertow that can trap and hold boats, people and other objects. well as other rescue training down . This backwash can in Photo courtesy Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission organizations offer courses that some instances be more powerful teach paddlers the necessary than a motorboat, and can easily pull a upstream into the hydraulic and the aerated information and skills to deal with low head swimmer or paddlecraft upstream into the water making breathing difficult or impossible, dams, but private property owners and turbulent area directly below the drop. The line gives real meaning to the term "drowning machine." governmental organizations must be that divides the current flowing downstream responsible for adequate warning signage and and the water rushing back upstream is called As if all these hazards were not enough, these accessible portage paths. New dams should be the boil line and can be difficult to see. Since dams can be virtually invisible from upstream. designed to minimize the formation of the boil line may be quite some distance Remember that these dams usually extend from dangerous hydraulics, and older dams should downstream, low head dams should not be one riverbank abutment to the other and are be retrofitted with hydraulic minimizing approached from this direction. usually smooth and unbroken along the top. structures. Particularly dangerous older, out-of- Add to this the fact that most kayakers, service dams can be dismantled. Much can and Swimmers (and paddlers still in their boats) canoeists and rafters are sitting down close to should be done to reduce the number of usually can’t escape hydraulics by moving the water and may be approaching swiftly. The fatalities caused by low head dams. laterally toward the riverbank since the dam may appear as a "horizon line" that can be

NASBLA small craft advisory • jul/aug 2004 • page 8 WATER TRAILS WATERWATER TRAILS TRAILS in Pennsylvania By Dan Martin

In Pennsylvania, outdoors enthusiasts can enjoy of Conservation and Natural Resources Each trail guide contains a varying amount of the outdoors using bike trails, hiking trails, (DCNR). In addition to launching a detail. Many guides show , major horseback riding trails, and water trails. Wait, solicitation for water trail partners, the roads and water hazards such as dams. There is water trail – what’s that? Commission participated in the statewide information on where to portage, boating laws Greenways Partnership Initiative, stand-alone and regulations, paddling tips, watchable Basically, water trails are boat routes suitable for local water trail efforts and outreach efforts to wildlife, and often historical, geological, canoes, kayaks and small motorized watercraft. build the water trail movement in cultural and natural features along the way. Like conventional trails, water trails are Pennsylvania. Guides describe fishing recreational corridors between specific locations. opportunities, give emergency DCNR’s Greenways Action contact information and Water trails are comprised of public access Plan sets a goal for the describe any camping points, boat launches, points of interest, day commonwealth water trail opportunities available use sites and – in some cases – overnight development effort. It calls along the trail. camping areas, guides, and signage to direct for development of 1,000 and promote use. In other words, it’s a "where- miles of water trails by Another important to" that shows boaters exactly where they can 2005 and 2,000 miles of component of many go to enjoy boating. water trails by 2010. The water trails are the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat trailhead signs. These Let’s face it, a designated water trail is not much Commission and others informational signs are good to anyone unless someone visits it. So the have been working to achieve these goals while placed at the trailheads, which are always public first thing a water trail must do is direct the maintaining some continuity and boat ramps. They are in a "you-are-here" boater to the resource. In Pennsylvania, that standardization among the developed trails. format and include reminders for boating resource, or waterway, designated as a water safety and other brief information. How many trail is a river or stream, at least so far. In other The Commission’s original solicitation for are deployed depends on the resources available states, lakes and coastal areas have been applications resulted in receipt of a dozen to the agency or agencies sponsoring the water designated as water trails. requests for assistance. These requests were trail. The Commission has developed a transformed into formal partnership trailhead sign template incorporating the Each water trail is unique, a reflection of the agreements with several organizations. The National Park Service standards for use by trail state’s diverse geology, ecology and Commission’s program offered the following partners and sponsors. communities. Water trail guides show "trail incentives: heads" (boat launch and take-out points) and • Formal endorsement as an official state water The point behind everyone’s effort on water provide background about the scenic, historic trail. trails is to get people "out there." Most people and geologic points of interest along the way. • Assistance with planning and are amazed when they travel a commonwealth Throw in a little fishing, wildlife watching, and implementation of local water trail efforts. river or stream for the first time. Pennsylvania’s camping and you can see how Waters Works • Assistance with developing a water trail logo aquatic resources are truly beautiful, and new Wonders in Pennsylvania. using the statewide logo template. users often comment on the scenery along the • Assistance with creating water trail maps. way as seen for the first time from the water. I Promoting the commonwealth’s waterways as • Publication of an initial quantity of water have taken many trips on the lower part of the water trails is a fairly recent concept. The trail brochures. Middle Susquehanna River Water Trail with Pennsylvania Boat & Fish Commission has • Providing two fiberglass-embedded trailhead people who have never been on the river. They always served as a source for recreational signs (NPS standard). expect an urban experience, and instead they information on commonwealth waterways. • Public relations and outreach on the get otter slides, eel weirs, and trees full of Our mission is to "provide fishing and boating statewide and local water trail effort nesting shore birds. They also fish for opportunities through the protection and including placement of water trail press smallmouth bass. management of the commonwealth’s aquatic releases and a water trail-specific article in resources." Assisting the development and Pennsylvania Angler & Boater magazine, and Water trails are an "easy sell" once people get maintenance of water trails is a perfect fit to our detailed information made available on the on the water. Everyone usually has a great time, mission. Commission’s website. and after they become familiar with the trail, they get attached. This fosters stewardship of The Commission designates "Official The Commission-sponsored Water Trail the resource, a very good thing. Pennsylvania Water Trails." We launched our Partnership Program was supported, in part, first formal water trail partnership program in through a grant from DCNR under the Water trails also serve as a boost to the travel 1998. Before this effort, the Commission staff Pennsylvania Recreational Trails Fund. The and tourism economy in the areas they cover. participated in the Alliance for the Chesapeake Commission’s website, www.fish.state.pa.us, There is a growing demand for enhanced Bay-led effort to create the commonwealth’s contains information on "officially endorsed" boating and outdoor experiences. This is first formal modern water trail, the water trails. especially true with paddling sports. According Susquehanna River Water Trail, now the to the National Marine Manufacturers Middle Susquehanna River Water Trail. Water trails have many components. The most Association, canoe sales are topping $60 important part is the trail guide, which can be million a year. Kayaking is the fastest-growing In 1998, the Commission solicited and output on paper and as a web-based product. sport behind and hockey and accepted applications for a Commission- Trail guides have a map showing boat accesses kayaks are now outselling canoes. Nearly 15 sponsored water trail development effort that and distances from point "A" to "B." percent of all households in Pennsylvania own was financed by the Pennsylvania Department

NASBLA small craft advisory • jul/aug 2004 • page 9 a watercraft. An estimated 2.5 million people development organizations, working closely been printed by the Commission and is now go boating in Pennsylvania every year. with DCNR and the Commission. available. We look forward to a larger format version, developed in partnership with the My work on water trails for the Commission is Local partners are essential for water trail Pennsylvania Environmental Council, which a "labor of love" and a very positive experience development and maintenance. Local groups should be ready in 2004. The next version’s for me. I see it as an opportunity to provide interested in starting a water trail are usually map will have much greater detail and will be basic boating safety information to boaters who organized into a committee, but someone has an even better resource for paddlers and small- may have had limited exposure to this to take the lead. Often it is another government boat operators. PA is distributed by the information. In the past 10 years, 50 percent of agency like the U.S. Forest Service (Middle Commission and DCNR’s bureaus of State all victims in fatal boating accidents were in Allegheny River Water Trail) or Cumberland Parks, and Recreation and Conservation. unpowered boats like canoes and kayaks. Our County (Conodoguinet Creek Water Trail). It best estimates indicate that Pennsylvania has can be a non-profit agency, such as the Swatara Water trails are new but they are here to stay. about two powerboats for every unpowered Creek Watershed Association (Swatara Creek The best thing about this project is its future. I one. We believe that a disproportionate number Water Trail) or Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay consider the future in Pennsylvania, and it is of paddlers are dying in boating accidents. (Middle Susquehanna River Water Trail). It can full of people who love and protect our rivers also be an agency interested in economic and . They will monitor how many The Commission’s effort on water trails is a development, like the Northcentral PA miles of water trails they have traveled. They team effort in the agency and would be Planning and Economic Development will boat safely and will pick up litter along the impossible without outside partners. Our Commission (West Branch Susquehanna River way. They ensure that access and greenways are primary outside partner in the statewide water Water Trail). built and maintained. Somewhere off in the trail effort is the Department of Conservation distance I can hear my father saying, "Attaboy, and Natural Resources. DCNR has provided In cooperation with DCNR and the American Dan, you helped do something that made a grant funding and support to local partners and Canoe Association, the Commission has difference." provided matching funds for the start-up of the developed a new publication, Paddle PA. The Commission’s water trail Partnership Program. objective of this colorful brochure is to serve as To visit Pennsylvania’s water trails online, go to The Community Conservation Partnership a statewide map of Pennsylvania’s water trails. It the Commission’s website at Program grants have been the major source of also is a great source of information on streams www.fish.state.pa.us (click on "Boating," then funding thus far for the statewide water trail and rivers in Pennsylvania that have established click on the water trails logo). effort. Through DCNR's grant program, a water trails. partnership has been formed with the Dan Martin has been with the Pennsylvania Fish Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC) The publication identifies boat accesses, as well & Boat Commission for more than 15 years, for water trail planning and development as providing paddlers with tips, laws and serving as Boating Safety Education Manager through technical assistance. PEC will be regulations, safety information and much since 1996. providing services to prospective water trail more. The first draft of this publication has

WATER TRAILS Across the Nation

Founded in 1993, the mission of North American Water rently being launched across Canada and the United States Trails (NAWT) is to foster the development, enjoyment and as people discover the beauty and simplicity of the water stewardship of recreational water trails. As an organiza- trail idea. tion, NAWT is a coalition of groups and individuals com- Modern water trails are designed to develop creative ways mitted to supporting access to the United States’ and to provide small-boat launches, shore access and overnight Canada’s wealth of waters, especially to what we call campsites, maintain wilderness character, limit road access, water trails – small boat and paddling routes that combine and promote careful use. More significantly, they encour- recreation and conservation. age low-impact use and a strong sense of stewardship. The result is a greater care for the waters and lands along NAWT’s membership includes volunteer groups, public the trails and less need for official policing and regulation. interest organizations, government agencies, private com- Water trails are important because they: panies and dedicated individuals. Above all, NAWT strives • Foster self-discovery to be an active voice for water trail organizations as it • Build skills works to set a precedent for wise trail development and • Teach nature use across . • Teach history • Revitalize our communities Why Water Trails? • Serve the public interest Water trails allow small boats access to rivers, streams and coastlines. They also allow boaters to pull up to a campsite For more information about the North American Water after a long day’s journey. Numerous water trails are cur- Trails, visit http://www.watertrails.org/.

NASBLA small craft advisory • jul/aug 2004 • page 10 Paddlesports Participation Escalates By Kimberly Hermes

ature viewing, exercise, excitement, Northeasterners, Southerners, Westerners and The NSRE projected that will relaxation, family fun, fishing, hunting Midwesterners, nature lovers, thrill seekers and continue to grow slowly and steadily until N– the list of reasons that people sportsmen, teenagers to retirees, paddlers cover 2020. In addition, while sea kayaking shows participate in paddlesports is extensive. With the gamut of lifestyles. healthy increases, these are "dwarfed by the the wide variety of uses for paddlecraft, meteoric demand for the inexpensive, easily participation in paddlesports continues to grow According to Critical Judgment II, "[Canoeing, accessible, and versatile ‘recreational kayak’ " at a rapid rate. kayaking and ] show healthy growth over (Critical Judgment II, p. 11). the last nine years, with canoeing growing from In fact, the American Canoe Association (ACA) 13.8 to 19.6 million (49.94% more), kayaking While the vast majority of paddlers have safe, reported in its publication Critical Judgment II: increasing from 2.6 to 9.6 million participants enjoyable experiences, hazards do exist. While Understanding and Preventing Canoe and Kayak (272% growth) and rafting growing from 14.9 all types of water recreation are subject to Fatalities 1996-2002 that canoeing and to 22.6 million participants (51.9% growth)" inherent dangers related to water, paddlesports kayaking continue to be among the fastest (p. 10). encounter some unique hazards that call for growing recreational activities in the United additional safety precautions. These unique States. And kayaking is the fastest growing The ACA stated that these impressive figures hazards include the following (as explained in segment of the entire boating community with give every indication of continuing to increase. Critical Judgment II): a growth rate of 272 percent over the past nine years. Watercraft Size and Stability Being relatively small and narrow, During 2003 nearly 10 paddlecraft require special attention to million Americans went balance and wave action to prevent kayaking, according to capsizing. the National Survey of Recreation and the Perception of Skill Needed Environment (NSRE). Their simple design seems to give people In addition, 19.6 the impression that paddlecraft are easy million paddled canoes to operate. After all, there’s no motor to and about 22.6 million trim or throttle to adjust. Therefore went rafting. inexperienced paddlers may not take the vessel seriously or understand the Paddlesports associated risks. participants come from diverse backgrounds. Impact of Weather Conditions From beginner to Weather has a significant impact on expert, male and female, water conditions. Paddlers must take wealthy and poor, Photo courtesy Oregon State Marine Board appropriate precautions, including

ACA Creates SmartStart for Paddlers

To enhance safety on our nation’s water, the The best part: All the text is written out for the American Canoe Association (ACA) has developed an instructor – anyone will be able to use the package to innovative teaching tool to be used in educating teach about paddlesports. young or inexperienced paddlers. The package is available for just $50, and includes an SmartStart for Paddlers is designed to help non- easel with colorful graphics, a CD with the paddling boating safety advocates give basic paddling PowerPoint presentation and instructions, and a DVD safety information. with a sample presentation and two other ACA productions: QuickStart Your Canoe and QuickStart Developed under an Aquatics Resources (Wallop- Your Kayak (each worth $13 if sold separately). Breaux) Trust Fund Grant, administered by the U.S. Coast Guard, SmartStart for Paddlers includes a long, Go to www.acanet.org/ slender binder that easily sets up to give professional- ACAmain.asp?Option=Products or contact the looking table-top instruction to small classes. It also American Canoe Association at 703.451.0141 for includes a PowerPoint presentation for larger more information. classrooms or auditorium settings.

NASBLA small craft advisory • jul/aug 2004 • page 11 checking weather forecasts, knowing personal instruction on how to limitations and wearing proper clothing. be safe before hitting the water. Low Head Dams Low head dams are one of the most dangerous A look at Coast Guard features paddlers encounter on rivers. For more statistics shows that information, see Gordon Black’s article on page from 1996 to 2003, 8 of this magazine. canoes and kayaks were involved in 652 Strainers or Sweepers fatalities. The most Paddlers must be particularly cautious around common type of fatal trees or other objects in the water that permit paddlecraft accident water to pass through while retaining solid was capsizing. Other objects. types include falls overboard, collision Whitewater and Surf Zone with fixed or floating Whitewater and coastal areas present paddlers object, swamped boat with additional hazards that challenge even the and "other." most experienced paddlers. Those who boat in these areas need a significant level of knowledge Causes typically and skill. reported include hazardous water or Remoteness weather, operator Paddlers often seek out more remote areas to inexperience or error, get away from crowds, to experience more skier/passenger, adventurous waters, to view wildlife. In remote alcohol, and "other." areas, a paddler must be extremely cautious

Photo courtesy American Canoe Association

In an effort to reduce paddlesports fatalities, the ACA is working with Opinions on how to help reduce the number of other boating safety organizations to paddlesports accidents varied widely among develop a Paddlesports Education and survey respondents. The top three selections Safety Awareness National Plan of were: mandatory use of personal flotation Action. device; greater emphasis on local educational opportunities in a hands-on environment; The goal is to minimize the loss of life public school physical education curricula and personal injury of paddlesports which include paddlesports. participants through preventative measures and to maximize the safe use The National Association of State Boating Law and enjoyment of U.S. waterways by Administrators is developing a memorandum the paddling public. of understanding with the ACA and the Professional Paddlesports Association. All three The ACA has completed the initial organizations are working to decrease boating- Appealing to people from all walks of life, canoeing and kayaking continue to be among the fastest research for this undertaking. Part of related fatalities and injuries. And all three have growing recreational activities in the United States. Photo courtesy Tim Smalley, MN Department of Natural Resources the research involved an online survey limited resources. Partnering together, they will conducted by Marketing General be able to pool their resources to work more because the arrival of any needed assistance will Incorporated (MGI). Using an electronic effectively on increasing safety among likely be significantly delayed. survey, MGI gathered data to assess paddlesports enthusiasts. paddlesports education and safety awareness With such unique risks, it is imperative that programs in order to develop safer paddling paddlers understand the risks and receive initiatives in the United States.

NASBLA small craft advisory • jul/aug 2004 • page 12 escue ve RBy Robert B. Kauffman Cur

It was early morning. John, a bass fisherman, safe environment of the marina, he had The rescue curve is a way to conceptualize the was up before dawn and motoring his way out practiced into the back of his boat lines of defense that a boater has. It originated on the lake to his favorite fishing spot. The using the motor as a ladder. Today was not a within the whitewater community and formed surface of the water was smooth as glass and drill, but he knew that he could do it. With the organizational structure for the movie mirrored the sky above him. As he entered the little or no grace, John flopped into the back of Heads Up: River Rescue for River Runners. It is sheltered cove, a mist hung above the water his boat. He was wet and a little cold, however, applicable to the general boating community waiting for the sun to it away. John sipped he was alive. He smiled to himself that his and to the safety efforts of other safety on a large cup of coffee as his boat cut preparations had finally paid off. He would live communities as well. effortlessly through the water. Soon he was at his another day to go fishing again. favorite fishing site and casting for trophy fish. The rescue curve suggests that once an incident The Rescue Curve occurs, as time increases the probability of The coffee was working its way through his In one of the classes that he had taken, John survival decreases. In general, each of the phases system. He checked for his pee bottle. For some had been exposed to the rescue curve. It made is related to the time that it takes to rescue the reason, he had forgotten it. He’d have to relieve sense to him and he prepared his lines of victim. himself over the side of the boat this time. defense for his eventual splash into the water. Zipper down and standing on the side of his He knew that his first line of defense was to The first line of defense is the safety measures boat, he began to relieve himself. The next take safety measures that would aid him if taken by the boater. These safety efforts actually thing he knew he was in the water, and bam! something happened. He always wore his PFD occur before the incident. The PFD worn. The the CO2 cartridge sounded like a gun being while in the boat and he had practiced how to preparation and maintenance of the boat. A fired. The water backup motor in case automatically activated his one fails. Knowledge Type V personal flotation gained about the device (PFD) and inflated it. weather and tides. The The Rescue Curve is a conceptual model that helps explain the After the shock of the water boating safety course role and responsibility of the individual and different groups in and the rush of the gas taken. The book read. inflating the PFD, there was the rescue process. It states that once an incident occurs which These are all examples once again calm in the cove. can result in injury, loss or damage, as time increases and of potential safety without intervention, a person's probability of survival decreases measures taken, the John regained his from near certainty to zero. boater’s first line of composure. Well, he defense. regained it as well as he could A person's four lines of defense are: for one who was bobbing in • Prevention, The second line of the water next to his boat. • Self-rescue, defense is self-rescue. He still felt pretty dumb. He • Rescue by others in your group, and This is what the victim looked around to see if • Rescue by others outside your group including rescue squads. does to rescue himself anyone had seen his foolish once an incident act. There was no one else happens. From the Factors affecting each line of defense include: nearby, but he already knew victim’s perspective, it that. He was fishing alone in • Time, is what I do to rescue the cove. He had heard of • Equipment, myself. It could be as this scenario a hundred times • Personnel, simple as climbing up before but he never expected • Sophistication of the rescue, and a ladder on the stern of that he would fall victim to it • Command structure. the boat or using the himself. THE RESCUE CURVE motor as a ladder as was done in this He knew that he needed to example. It is the next get back in his boat. He knew that even with re-enter the boat if he fell into the water. He line because usually, the victim is the first his PFD on, it was only a matter of time before knew that once an incident occurred (i.e. person on the scene. he would succumb to the cold water. Unless falling into the water) that his second line of another boater came along to rescue him, he defense was his ability to self-rescue. Again, he The third line of defense is rescue by others in would die. Since he usually fished alone, there had practiced how to reenter his boat. He knew your group. A line or pole extended to the was no one around to assist him in his time of that self-rescue was extremely important victim may be all that is necessary to pull this peril. because he boated alone and would not have victim back into the boat. If several boats are access to the third line of defense – rescue by traveling together, rescue by one of the other However, John had prepared himself for just others in your group. His fourth line of defense boats in the group may occur also. Again, this possibility. He knew he didn’t want to was rescue by someone outside of your group. people on your boat or those traveling with you become a fatality statistic in some boating He knew that this was a rescue squad, or some are generally closest to the scene and in terms of report. He’d known that when he least expected other boater who might happen upon the time they are most likely to be of assistance. In it he would someday wind up in the water. So scene. He was prepared for this eventuality too addition, people in your group are most likely he had prepared for just such a situation. because he had left a float plan with his wife to recognize that there is a problem and that and an expected time of return. However, he someone is in need of assistance. He’d worn his self-inflating Type V PFD. He knew that by the time that they arrived, it liked it better than the vests because it gave him might be too late because the next phase in the a little more freedom while fishing. It worked rescue curve was a body recovery. like a charm and inflated automatically. In the ...continued on page 21

NASBLA small craft advisory • jul/aug 2004 • page 13 PEOPLE

Racing Legend Raises Awareness of Dangers of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning By Jo Calkin, USCG Office of Boating Safety

The U.S. Coast Guard recently awarded the Coast Guard Meritorious Public Service Award When asked by the Coast Guard to participate Some boaters are aware that CO can to racing legend Al Unser Sr. for his in the campaign, Unser was eager to volunteer accumulate inside engine compartments, but contributions on behalf of the Coast Guard’s his time and his story to help educate boaters. few understand that the gas can quickly pool in national campaign to raise awareness about the deadly concentrations outside the boat as well dangers of carbon monoxide (CO) while "His participation in this campaign has made – around engine and generator exhaust outlets, boating. an enormous difference in raising awareness under and around swim platforms, and even in about this issue. Al is well known and well an open cabin. In 1995, the four-time Indianapolis 500 respected. We feel quite fortunate that he winner almost died from CO poisoning while became involved. He has been willing to do First responders and hospital personnel may boating at Arizona’s Lake Powell. "Of all whatever it takes to get the word out," said Vice miss telltale signs of CO poisoning, and people, I should have known better," Unser Admiral Thad Allen, the Coast Guard’s Chief medical examiners may not know to check for said of his attempt to untangle lines from his of Staff. possible CO poisoning when dealing with boat’s propeller, which resulted in his breathing drowning victims. Potentially, many deaths in dangerously high concentrations of CO There is growing evidence that CO-related listed as drownings could actually be CO released from the generator. illnesses, injuries and fatalities on the water poisoning. may be far greater than reported. CO is an Unser was rushed to the hospital for emergency odorless, colorless, tasteless and highly toxic gas treatment. "When they pulled me out, I produced by boat engines, generators and couldn’t even crawl … I was lucky. Real lucky." stoves.

Missouri Officer SAVES LIFE On May 29, 2004, Sgt. Wayne Talburt, a 23- him to the surface. year veteran of the Missouri State Water Patrol, Upon reaching the was conducting a routine patrol on the North surface, he pulled Fork of the White River in Ozark County. Maynard's head out of the water and Sgt. Talburt observed a man who had been established an open floating down the river with the aid of an inner airway. Doing so tube. The man, later identified as Larry enabled Maynard to Maynard, age 49, suddenly started flailing his gasp for air and to arms as he became separated from his floating start breathing on tube. Maynard then disappeared beneath the his own. surface of the water. Nearby rafters Sgt. Talburt immediately drove his patrol boat offered to stay with to the last point on the surface of the water Maynard while Sgt. Sergeant Wayne Talburt recently saved the life of a Missouri man who had been floating down the White River on a floating where Maynard had disappeared. The Talburt swam back tube. Photo courtesy Missouri State Water Patrol supervisor and instructor for the Missouri State to his patrol boat. Water Patrol underwater dive recovery team, He then returned in the officer shed his gun belt and life jacket then the boat to pick up dove into the river where he had last seen the victim. Maynard had still not regained while hospitalized. He was released the Maynard. Upon reaching the bottom of the consciousness, however, and Sgt. Talburt following day, fully recovered. river, which was about 8 to 10 feet deep in that proceeded to transport Maynard in his patrol area, he could see the glow of Maynard's body boat after requesting an ambulance to meet Larry Maynard's life was saved due to Sgt. slightly upriver. him downstream. Wayne Talburt's quick, unselfish and heroic actions. In recognition of his heroic actions, Sgt. Talburt then swam underwater to Maynard was then transported by an air Sgt. Wayne Talburt has received the Colonel’s Maynard's body and found him lying on the evacuation helicopter to the Baxter County Commendation Award and was named the river bottom. Maynard was unconscious and Arkansas Hospital in Mountain Home, Ark. State of Missouri Employee of the Month. not moving. Sgt. Talburt got behind Maynard Maynard was treated for near drowning and placed him in a cross-chest carry and swam symptoms and later regained consciousness

NASBLA small craft advisory • jul/aug 2004 • page 14 Reaching Out to Paddlesporters

By Wayne Spivak, National Press Corps, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary

The Professional Paddlesports Association On a search of the Canoe & Kayak Magazine their customers – new and old – to become (PPA) (www.propaddle.com) defines their website (www.canoekayak.com), thirty articles better, more knowledgeable and safer boaters. sport as people who raft, canoe or kayak. The appeared when searching for the term "safety." American Canoe Association (ACA) Articles run the gamut from choosing the right (www.acanet.org) lists 11 different "paths" that paddle to first aid and safety signals. Outreach a paddlesporter can participate in and enjoy. While brochures, pamphlets, and other traditional methods of getting any message out Whether you look at this sport in a macro sense Safety Education remain an important part of outreach, the or on a micro level, people are purchasing, Given the logarithmic explosion of the paddlesport marketplace needs a change in renting, borrowing and using all different types paddlesports, recreational boating safety – paradigm, at least insofar as marketing of the of paddlesport equipment and enjoying the specifically education – has become recreational boating safety message goes. The sport. paramount. How many paddlers go paddling reasons are an essential part of the sport. without a PFD? How many go without any According to the ACA’s "Critical Judgment II: means of attracting attention, should they get Traditional boating starts at one of several Understanding and Preventing Canoe and Kayak in trouble (signal mirror, whistle)? places. The boat ramp. The marina. The Fatalities 1996-2002" (http://www.acanet.org/ waterfront dock. Paddleboaters start, well pdf/cjreport.pdf) issued in 2004, the numbers More importantly, how many of these boaters frankly, anywhere they want. The portability of of people involved in paddlesports is increasing know, care or realize that they are boaters and kayaks and canoes, as well as inflatable rafts, every year. need to know about navigation, safety makes them relatively easy to transport. equipment, and rules of the road? This is why In fact, kayaking is (according to the available the Coast Guard Auxiliary, through its Boating The inaccessible beach front., the small lake or studies) the fastest growing segment of the Department, has stepped up efforts to educate stream – these are all areas where a entire boating community with a growth rate these "non-traditional" boating of 272% over the past nine years. The National students. Survey of Recreation and the Environment (NSRE) found that, during 2003, millions of Just as the United Safe Boating Americans went paddling: 19.6 million Institute (www.usbi.org), an paddled canoes, 9.6 million paddled kayaks, association of boating and about 22.6 million went rafting… The organizations including the U.S. NSRE found that 76.1 million Americans went Coast Guard & Auxiliary, United out in some kind of boat in 2003. – page 10 States and Power Squadrons, the Red Cross, the National Association of State Safety is job number one Boating Law Administrators, and As evidenced by this report, safety has taken US SAILING, has targeted such hold in the industry, as reports of injuries and diverse boating groups as anglers, fatalities have risen in the mass media. To this hunters and campers with end, both industry groups and the United educational pamphlets States Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary (http://www.usbi.org/angler.pdf), have stepped up their efforts to reach out to this the paddlesport industry needs to extremely large and diverse group of [paddle-] band together with the Coast boaters, and stress the need for boating Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary education. and offer similar educational opportunities. Another trade association, TAPS - the Trade Association of Paddlesports (www.gopaddle. Recently, I attended the New York org), has created a series of guidelines. These Boat Show, where over 225 guidelines relate to operators, retail and touring vendors displayed their wares. Photo courtesy BoatEd establishments and give advice on everything What was missing from this show from lesson plans and areas that should be was a concerted educational effort taught and/or covered during operator to include these "non-traditional" boaters. paddleboater may well begin his or her journey. instruction to the types of equipment that Educational material abounded at the Auxiliary This is not, for the most part, where we, as an should be provided by rental companies. and Power Squadrons displays, as well as the industry, attempt to reach. Other traditional law enforcement displays. methods also don’t often reach this Safety is big business. In a review of available marketplace. online versions of paddlesport magazines, However, even the Auxiliary and Power safety is definitely given its due. In every Squadron have no literature that specifically Examples that fail us with this large number of picture shown, a paddler is wearing a personal targets this large group of boaters. Although the boaters are trips to the boat store, the gas flotation device (PFD), or life jacket. In one New York Boat Show had only a few vendors pumps, and state boater’s registration office. In magazine, Wavelength (www. showcasing canoes and/or kayaks, they too, had fact, this group of boaters – those using boats wavelengthmagazine.com), from the no educational brochures on paddlesport safety. without propulsion – is exempt from boating February/March 2002 issue to the April/May registration and licensing laws in many states. 2003 issue, sixteen different safety-related Worst of all, missing from every vendor was articles appeared. some type of handout extolling the needs for

NASBLA small craft advisory • jul/aug 2004 • page 15 The Paddle’s Many Paths

Fortunately, there are ways to reach this wide There are many types of canoeing and kayaking. This diversity is audience. Again, with a little legwork on the present in vessel type, paddling technique, and in the waters that are Internet, we can find large numbers of local traveled. Here is a list of the most common varieties: organizations geared toward the paddlesport marketplace. We find, what is in effect, their Flatwater Canoeing – This is canoeing on a lake, reservoir, slow flowing river, or other version of the "traditional" yacht club. relatively calm . Falling within this category is everything from taking out a rental canoe out on a lake for a few hours to going on a multi-day canoe journey down Canoe & Kayak Magazine, for instance lists a gentle river. thirteen clubs, from the ACA to the Washington Water Trails Association Recreational Kayaking – Like flatwater canoeing, this type of kayaking occurs on flat (www.wwta.org). They also have a partial or slow-moving water. It is characterized primarily by the use of slow and stable listing of approximately 50 clubs sorted via state. A little more searching and you’ll also recreational kayaks. These kayaks are fairly inexpensive, wide, and usually have a flat- find over 250 affiliated paddling clubs and bottomed hull. This is the fastest growing segment of the kayak market. Some consider schools listed on the ACA website. Wavelengths recreational kayaking to be an entry level of kayak touring. Magazine lists 91 clubs in the United States, and 44 in Canada. Kayak Touring – This category of kayaking, sometimes referred to as sea kayaking, includes such diverse activities as day kayaking on a small lake, multi-day kayak Outreach is possible, and it is incumbent upon excursions, and kayaking on the open ocean. Touring kayaks are typically long, sleek, all the members of the recreational boating have storage compartments, and are designed for speed and efficiency. These kayaks safety community to reach these boaters. are often used for long expeditions and are very seaworthy. USCG statistics for 2002 provide a backdrop of why further outreach and education is – This involves canoeing on rivers and streams with fast necessary. In 2002, it was reported that 113 current and rapids. It occurs on everything from mild, bouncy class I and II rivers, to people lost their lives on paddleboats (kayak, raging class IV and V rivers. All types of canoes are used on very mild whitewater, but canoe and rowboats), with another 85 injuries paddling more difficult whitewater requires the use of canoes specifically designed for reported. While, the Coast Guard reports an whitewater use. Whitewater canoes are designed with more rocker for quick turning improvement in kayak/canoe safety, most of and accommodate the use of floatation bags to keep water out and improve buoyancy. the deaths occurred from drowning. Some whitewater canoes are decked and resemble whitewater kayaks.

According the study issued by the ACA, 75 – This type of kayaking takes place rivers and streams with fast percent of the 558 canoe and kayak fatalities current and rapids. Whitewater kayaks are less than 12 feet in length, typically made of based on data from 1996–2002, were not plastic, and can take paddlers into the deepest, wildest gorges, through powerful wearing life jackets (PFDs). rapids, over as high as 80 feet, and down raging -swollen rivers. Whitewater kayakers are always on the cutting edge of navigation. Over the past 20 Reach your own conclusion as to whether a years technical advances in the design of whitewater kayaks has turned once stronger marketing campaign to this "non- traditional" boating group could increase PFD unrunnable chasms into popular play spots. wear. – This subcategory within whitewater kayaking is so unique that is deserves separate mention. The main objective of squirt boating is, as odd as it seems, Summary not to play in the surface waves of whitewater, but to play in the underwater currents Paddlesports is the fastest growing aspect of the created by rapids. Squirt boats are low volume kayaks, typically made of fiberglass or boating industry, and we, as the providers of , that function best just below the water’s surface. information to the general public, need to impress upon all those who venture upon our Wilderness Tripping – This is the taking of extended canoe or kayak journeys deep rivers, lakes, streams, bays and oceans that they into wild, uninhabited landscapes. These journeys are typically longer than a week and are all boaters. Hunters, anglers, kayakers, require the use of large canoes or kayaks that have a lot of storage space. canoeists – they are all boaters who need to be educated about their particular slice of the – This activity utilizes short kayaks, similar to those used on whitewater, greater boating sport and also about the sport to surf ocean waves. Surf kayakers try to catch and surf waves the same as traditional itself. surfers do – the main differences are that the kayakers are sitting down and use a paddle for steering. Navigation, rules of the road, safety equipment, etc. are all essential to recreational Canoeing – Very popular in Hawaii, this traditional South Pacific type of boating, and all boaters – traditional or non- canoeing utilizes a canoe with an outrigger. The outrigger canoe is very stable and used traditional – need education. for general recreation and competition on the open ocean.

For more information about boating – Just like it sounds, this is the sailing of canoes that have been education, contact the U.S. Coast Guard outfitted with a sail. The sport of canoe sailing dates back at least to the 1800s. Auxiliary either on the web at www.cgaux.org or by contacting your local Coast Guard unit Poling – In most river canoeing the objective is to travel downstream, the objective in (www.uscg.mil). poling is to travel upstream utilizing a canoe and a long pole.

Article courtesy the American Canoe Association

NASBLA small craft advisory • jul/aug 2004 • page 16 boating BRIEFS

Boating Safety Promoted Through Insurance Discount

As an incentive for existing boaters to brush up offering boating safety education to their boating insurance, we are going to see more on their knowledge of boating safety, INAMAR consumers at the point of sale and as an boaters taking a boating safety education Recreational Marine Insurance has partnered outreach to their communities. course. Although these boaters may be with Marine University to provide graduates of experienced in navigation and the operation of the Boater101 program with a safe boater INAMAR will also be working with its agents a boat, state boating laws are constantly discount. to develop a cross-marketing strategy that will changing and we could all use a quick benefit the Marine University-certified dealers. refresher." The objective is to make the boat buying Working together to offer customers point of experience convenient to customers by offering sale insurance options agents will refer their Ray Stahl, president of INAMAR said, "The boating education at the point of sale. Upon boating customers to dealers and dealers will most important goal for this program is to the successful completion of the Boater101 refer Boater101 graduates to local agents to make the waterways safer for everyone to course, participants will receive a discount on take advantage of the safe boater discount. enjoy." their boat insurance. This incentive is being offered in conjunction with Marine University’s Susan Engle, president of Marine University, dealer initiative in which dealers will be said, "With the incentive of a discount on

National Fishing & Boating Week Dubbed Success

National Fishing and Boating Week events were up by 83 percent over last year, and the recently concluded celebration was "a huge success," announced the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation (RBFF), which created the program.

With over 720 events held throughout the week, which kicked off June 5, families across the nation were introduced and reconnected to fishing and boating, RBFF said.

Former National Football League coach Jimmy Johnson served as NFBW honorary chairman. Coach Johnson is the first honorary chairman of the annual fishing and boating celebration, now in its fourth year.

As chairman, Coach Johnson made several promotional appearances for the event with RBFF President Bruce Matthews. The duo appeared on ESPN, CNBC and Fox News, while ABCNews.com featured an online article about NFBW.

"I’m thrilled to be a part of this American celebration of the outdoors," said Coach Johnson after being named NFBW chairman. "I have many, many fond memories of fishing and boating, from when I was a little kid right up to today. For me, there’s no greater way to Former NFL football coach Jimmy Johnson’s love of boating and fishing helped earn him the distinction of being selected as the first honorary chairman of National Fishing relax and enjoy life than to be out on the water and Boating Week. This year’s celebration of fishing and boating has been deemed a huge success by the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation. Photo courtesy bonding with my family and friends." Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundations

"Because of his accomplishments and Over the past 10 years, fishing participation National Fishing and Boating Week 2005 will undeniable love of the water, we are proud to rates leveled off and have not kept pace with build on to this year’s efforts with plans for have named Coach Johnson as the first the growth in population. But thanks to further media coverage and even more fishing honorary chairperson of National Fishing and evolving American values, efforts by industry and boating events, according to RBFF. NFBW Boating Week," said Matthews. "With his help, and government, and events such as NFBW, 2005 is scheduled to be held June 4-12. we have shown families how time spent on the this trend is beginning to change. The Sporting water can bring them closer together and Goods Manufacturers Association reported increase funds to conserve our natural that participation in fishing increased by 1.5 resources." million people last year.

NASBLA small craft advisory • jul/aug 2004 • page 17 Caribbean Volunteer Maritime Search and Rescue Conference By Jeremy Smith, BC-APR, National Press Corps They came from all over the world – some from Federation (ILF), the Virgin Islands Search and as far away as Australia and the United Rescue (VISAR), the Association for Rescue at Kingdom – and others from as close to the Sea (AFRAS), the Bahamas Air-Sea Rescue United States as Canada, Costa Rica and the Association (BASRA), the Royal National island nations of the Caribbean. Clearly, the Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), the French much anticipated Caribbean Volunteer Maritime Rescue Coordination Center Maritime Search and Rescue Conference (MRCC), and the Société Nationale de (CSAR) had become an international Sauvetage en Mer (SNSM). Additionally, bellwether for these seafaring nations representatives from several non-Caribbean committed to improving safety of life at sea. of the conference was to "enhance the security, countries also presented and actively stability, and safety of life on the sea in the participated at the conference. Building upon the success of two previous Caribbean region through the establishment CSAR conferences (Dominican Republic in and development of volunteer maritime search The agenda covered a broad range of topics 2000 and Miami in 2002), this year’s and rescue (SAR) organizations and the including preventive SAR, the training of SAR conference at the Miami Airport Hilton Hotel strengthening of existing volunteer SAR crews and coxswains, mass casualty rescue on May 14-15 increased participation to almost organizations that could assume SAR operations, enhancing fundraising results and 80 delegates from 26 different countries. The operations, thus releasing the government many other important initiatives that will aid conference was hosted by the Coast Guard forces to focus on security, counter-drug, in the establishment and development of Auxiliary International Affairs Directorate in migrant interdiction, and other law volunteer SAR organizations. conjunction with the U.S. Southern Command enforcement missions." and the Coast Guard. It was attended by The response from the attendees in their representatives from the USCG, USCG A number of international volunteer and conference evaluations was extremely positive. Auxiliary, Caribbean Nations, as well as government SAR organizations participated by They were extremely pleased at the open representatives from other countries and making presentations and conducting interchange of ideas, the opportunity to meet international organizations. workshops at the conference as well, including persons from other Caribbean countries the Citizens Rescue Organization in Curacao involved in SAR, and the quality of According to Commodore Everette Tucker, (CITRO), the Turks and Caicos Rescue information provided in the presentations and past National Commodore and Director of the Association (TACRA), the Grenada Coast workshops. They strongly recommended that International Affairs Directorate, the purpose Guard, the Search and Rescue Organization in these CSAR conferences continue and, in fact, Grenada (SARA), the International Lifeboat be held annually.

Editor’s note: This article has been condensed and New Jersey’s First Bring A Buddy Boating reprinted with permission from SITREP, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary e-zine. To view the article Makes A Splash in its entirety, please visit teamcoastguard.org. Fourteen marina owners and one boat dealer dealers and the boating community, as well as view opened their doors to the public for the day- boats and docking areas and participate in activities. long open house event known as Bring A Buddy Boating on June 12. The participating locations throughout the Kawasaki PWC Loan state offered food, festivities, Coast Guard boat The "Bring A Buddy Boating" campaign is part inspections, boating safety courses, and Program Reaches $1 of a new initiative to promote and increase giveaways for attendees, all designed to participation in recreational boating in New encourage boating enthusiasts to get their Million Milestone Jersey. The initiative began when the Marine friends hooked on the excitement of boating The long-standing Kawasaki Trades Association of New Jersey (MTA/NJ), throughout New Jersey. watercraft loan program has loaned more than the NJDOT Office of Maritime Resources, and 120 JET SKI watercraft in 2004 with a retail the NJ Office of Travel and Tourism The open house events were planned value of over $1 million, according to a collaborated to respond to a request for appropriately for Saturday, June 12, which fell during company release dated June 29, 2004. proposals by the Recreational Boating & National Fishing & Boating Week, June 5-13, 2004. Fishing Foundation (RBFF). Roger Hagie, director of public affairs at "This open house was set aside specifically for Kawasaki, says that the loan of four 2004 The MTA/NJ and partners were one of four boating enthusiasts and their buddies," said Kawasaki JET SKI STX-15F watercraft to the successful applicants nationwide that were Melissa Danko, executive director of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency raised selected and awarded a Cooperative Marketing Marine Trades Association of New Jersey. "We the value of loans this year to over $1 million. Agreement by the RBFF. This is the first time appreciate all of the businesses that were The company’s program operates through that the MTA/NJ has worked cooperatively involved and hosted this event." Kawasaki dealers loaning JET SKI watercraft with two state agencies to promote boating in to public agencies responsible for marine law New Jersey. Upon implementation of the Rick Gimello, executive director of the enforcement, recreational boating education agreement, the partners hired Creative NJDOT/Office of Maritime Resources, said and safety, and search and rescue. Marketing Alliance to lead the effort. that preliminary results of a New Jersey boater survey suggest "recreational boaters may "The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency The "Bring a Buddy Boating" Campaign contribute up to $28.2 million per year in trip- officers have helped support safe and involved simultaneous open houses at marinas, related expenditures, and up to another $17.2 responsible JET SKI watercraft use for many boat dealers and other marine businesses across million on annual boating-related expenses, to years," Hagie said. "Kawasaki is pleased to have the entire state, all of which the public were the New Jersey economy." this agency mark this milestone." invited to attend. Attendees had the opportunity to talk with marina owners, boat

NASBLA small craft advisory • jul/aug 2004 • page 18 NMMA Data Shows Significant Industry Growth

The National Marine Manufacturers "A favorable economy, rising consumer 130,000 more boats than they did in 2002, Association said its data indicates "significant sentiment and continued low interest rates are taking 17.49 million boats out on the nation's growth" in the boating industry in 2004, and also playing important roles in attracting more waterways. that the retail numbers for the first quarter are people to boating," said Thom Dammrich, off to a "great start," according to an NMMA NMMA president. Overall, there were 841,000 new boats sold last press release dated June 29, 2004. year, with the average price of a new boat rising Retail expenditures fall 3.3 percent to $12,611. The industry is also A 20.8-percent rise in wholesale dollar sales of Retail expenditures on boating-related goods witnessing a trend toward bigger boats, with all boats and a 19.8-percent gain in unit and services were approximately $30 billion in sales of outboard boats over 18 feet increasing shipments in the first quarter of 2004, as 2003, down 1 percent from 2002. 24 percent between 1997 and 2003. compared to the same period the year before, were cited by the NMMA as a cause for optimism. "While we did see a slight decline in 2003, sales Many industry segments experienced increased growth in the boating industry continues to retail sales in 2003, led by outboard boats, "The retail numbers for the first quarter are off outpace U.S. economic growth when you which recorded sales of approximately $2.74 to a great start compared to 2003," NMMA reported. compare numbers over the last seven years," billion, up roughly 20 percent compared to said Jim Petru, director of market statistics for 2002. Other industry segments recording retail For the first three months of 2004, retail NMMA. "Sales in the boating industry have sales increases include outboard motors (up 3.1 powerboat sales were up 11 percent compared increased an average of 8 percent annually since percent to $2.55 billion), sterndrive boats (up to the same period last year, and all segments 1997, while the Gross Domestic Product has 1.2 percent to $2.22 billion) and personal showed positive gains for the first quarter. averaged 3.2 percent annual growth." watercrafts (up 2.7 percent to $717 million). Inboard cruisers sales were up 20 percent, outboard boats were up 14 percent, jet-drive The NMMA also reported a 6-percent increase boats were up 32 percent, stern-drive boats in boating participation since 2001. More than were up 5 percent and personal watercraft were 72 million Americans were boaters in 2003, up 3 percent, the NMMA said. four million more than in 2001. They used

When TV Talks, Anglers Listen A national survey sponsored by the BoatU.S. The studies were commissioned by the Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Sportsman’s Forum, a coalition of sporting Water and the Sportsman’s Forum reveals that organizations including the North American anglers believe television is the best means of Fishing Club, B.A.S.S., Cabela’s, and the reaching them with messages on how to fish, BoatU.S. Foundation. The Sportsman’s Forum what boating etiquette to use, boating safety educates hunters and anglers about safety and how to enjoy the sport of boating. boating through a U.S. Coast Guard grant, funded by the Aquatic Resources (Wallop- "In this day and age, television is the means of Breaux) Trust Fund. communicating any message you want heard," said Chris Edmonston, Director of Boating Safety A free CD of all research results and an Programs at the BoatU.S. Foundation. "There electronic copy of "Boating Safety Tips for are plenty of fishing shows out there, but there’s Hunters and Anglers" is available by e-mailing a need for more boating-specific TV shows. your name and mailing address to This recent research confirms television as a [email protected]. powerful medium, and shows marine professionals we have a golden opportunity to reach boaters."

Coast Guard Take Steps to Keep Non-native Species Out of U.S. Waters The U.S. Coast Guard published regulations "The potential impacts of nonindigenous Vessels are encouraged to electronically submit on June 14, 2004, establishing penalties for species on our environment, food supply, ballast water management reporting forms via ships headed to the United States that fail to economy, health and overall biodiversity are e-mail and/or web-based methods available at submit a ballast water management reporting universally accepted as significant and growing, the National Ballast Information form, as well as vessels bound for the Great and these regulations are part of the Coast Clearinghouse website: http://invasions.si.edu/ Lakes or portions of the Hudson River that violate Guard’s commitment to preventing the NBIC/bwform.html. mandatory ballast water management requirements. introduction of nonindigenous species into U.S. waters via ballast water." said Capt. David This final rule can be found at: These regulations also increase the number of Scott, chief of the Coast Guard’s Office of http://dms.dot.gov. In this website, proceed to vessels subject to the reporting and Operating and Environmental Standards. simple search, and under docket number, enter recordkeeping provisions and expand the 13147. For further information on this rule, reporting and recordkeeping requirements on Proposed Coast Guard regulations for later this please contact Mr. Bivan R. Patnaik at ships, increasing the Coast Guard’s ability to year will mandate ships coming from outside 202.267.1744, [email protected]. prevent the introduction of nonindigenous U.S. waters to take steps to eliminate species as required by the Nonindigenous nonindigenous species from their ballast water, Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act and future regulations may outline specific and the National Invasive Species Act. ballast water standards.

NASBLA small craft advisory • jul/aug 2004 • page 19 Elimination of Boat Tax Reports Paying Off for One City Record Number of Boating Accidents When Hampton, Va., virtually eliminated its personal property tax on boats last year, it The number of reported boating accidents in threw away $350,000 in annual tax revenues. California during 2003 was the highest on But now the move is paying off, as boaters are record, according the annual boating safety flocking to the area and local business is report issued recently by the California flourishing. Department of Boating and Waterways.

The city’s move is paying big dividends, A total of 963 boating accidents were reported according to Chris Hall, owner of Bluewater to the department, involving 502 injuries, 61 Yachting Center. fatalities, and $3,820,000 in property damage. All of those totals were up from 2002 (911 "They’ve already made [the lost revenue] up," accidents, 468 injuries, 53 fatalities, and $3.7 Hall said. With more than 200 new boat slips million in property damage), according to the able to accommodate boats up to 250 feet and 68-page report. an upscale restaurant, business is better than anticipated and is generating profits for the city The report found that 70 percent of vessels in the form of additional sales and meal taxes. involved in all accidents were less than 26 feet counties with shoreline understand the in length, and that 89 percent of vessels "It’s unbelievable," said Hall. "We’re years economic power of marinas. involved in fatal boating accidents were also ahead of where we thought we’d be. I would bet less than 26 feet in length. Of the operators in the first year the city gets back tenfold what "I see it as transferring a natural resource into whose ages were known, those in the 31-40 age it lost in the boat tax." economic values," he said. group were involved in more accidents than any other age group, followed very closely by In fact, marinas have quietly become a big Gloucester County is also thinking of the 21-30 and 41-50 age groups. source of revenue in the region, according to eliminating its personal property tax on boats – Tom Murray, a marine business specialist at the the rate is $4 per $100 of assessed value for Open motorboats were involved in 51 percent Virginia Institute of Marine Science. boats under 5 tons and $1 per $100 of assessed of all accidents, while personal watercraft were value on boats over 5 tons. involved in 27 percent, according to the report. Murray cites a recent study that shows that for every dollar spent at a marina, another $2.71 is A few of the other findings generated in the state’s economy. In his job at VIMS, Murray is trying to help cities and • Accidents involving activities have increased 38 percent since 2002. • Seventeen percent of boating accidents occurred during water skiing activities – defined as all activities involving a vessel MEEF Kicks Off towing a person on a towline. • Approximately 34 percent of all vessels, and 2004 National Clean Boating Campaign 70 percent of personal watercraft involved in accidents, were operated by someone other The Marine Environmental Education Campaign is a year-round initiative that than the registered owner. Foundation (MEEF) kicked off its 2004 promotes good stewardship of water resources • Accidents occurred mostly during the National Clean Boating Campaign June 12 by by boaters, marina operators, boat dealers and summer months (May through September), participating in the seventh-annual River Day boating industry manufacturers. on weekends and during the hours between 2 celebration of the Clinton River, its watershed p.m. - 4 p.m. and Lake St. Clair in Michigan. "This year the Campaign is proud to announce • The largest number of accidents (51 percent) its participation in regional clean-boating occurred on lakes, followed by ocean/bay The foundation hosted a Dockwalkers program celebrations throughout the country, such as waters (29 percent). as part of the event, which is an educational the recent successful River Day festivities in • Eighteen percent of boating accidents and outreach effort designed to Michigan’s Macomb and Oakland counties," nearly one quarter of all injuries occurred introduce boaters, marina said David G. White, MEEF president. "Such during the summer holiday periods of users and the general regional events offer the NCBC an opportunity Memorial Day, Independence Day and public to the concepts of to connect with boating enthusiasts across the Labor Day. clean boating. The nation." • Thirty-five percent of reported accidents National Clean Boating resulted from collisions with other vessels. • Operator inattention (40 percent) was the most common cause of boating accidents, followed by operator inexperience (33 percent) and excessive speed (25 percent).

The full report can be found at www.dbw.ca.gov/.

NASBLA small craft advisory • jul/aug 2004 • page 20 partner PERSPECTIVES

Commodore Warren E. McAdams National Directorate Commodore for Recreational Boating Safety, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Out of Coverage Paddlesports activities are probably the fastest waters. As such they add another element to the accurate numbers and locations of boaters is growing segment of boating recreation in this mix of recreational boats found on many busy challenging. Also, the use of paddleboats is very country. In addition, the paddlesports waterways. Paddleboats are at risk from both diverse so members of many recreational categories represent an incredibly diverse list of recreational motorboats and commercial boating safety organizations encounter many activities. Beyond the two broad categories, shipping. Recreational boaters are notoriously paddle boaters. canoes and kayaks, there are many equipment weak on knowledge of navigation rules and options and many uses. These boats are used paddle boaters add to this burden. Also, due to There are some bright spots. Summer camp for peaceful family outings, hunting, fishing homeland security measures, and along with and general youth activities often feature and thrill seeking. These boats are used in fresh other recreational boaters, the paddlesports paddlesport classes and outings. Some states water, salt water, lakes and streams, slow and boaters may be at risk when they blunder into have outdoor education programs that include fast water, and more. They can be trailered, car- restricted areas. paddlesport activities. The Coast Guard topped, hand-carried and deployed from other Auxiliary has recently teamed up with the Boy boats. In most parts of the country these boats All of these considerations call for a heightened Scouts of America to provide basic boater may be rented at shore side or as part of a livery emphasis on paddlesports activities within training. In addition, we are working with the operation that offers drop-off and pick-up public education efforts and safety promotion ACA in an effort to expand the vessel safety service. With so many options it is no wonder efforts. As with other forms of recreational check program to paddleboats. We already have the paddlesports activities are growing at a boating, the carriage and wear of personal efforts underway to expand our reach to rapid rate. flotation devices is a big concern. Fortunately, hunters and anglers, so the overall paddlesports more effort is being brought to bear on effort is a good fit. For many of us, recreational boating safety has paddlesports activities. For several years, in the been largely focused on motorboats. In recent northeast United States, the First Coast Guard While the effort to expand recreational boating years, due to popularity and problems, personal District has run a number of safety promotions safety education is admirable and the right watercraft received added emphasis. Now, due aimed at paddle boaters. More recently, the thing to do, there are significant challenges. to increasing popularity and correspondingly American Canoe Association and other Even if we did not expand the scope of what we higher accident rates, paddlesports are coming organizations have broadened their charter or do, there is an incredibly large pool of boaters more to the forefront. promotion efforts to reach out to the growing that need and could benefit from recreational numbers of paddle boaters. boating safety training. As always we will try to Most state efforts focus on motor boating. For do more with the resources we have and paddlesport boats the incidence of numbering While recent efforts are encouraging, there are attempt to recruit more people to help. With and registration requirements is relatively low. significant challenges involved in the task of the added burden of homeland security, the While mandatory education is making gains, educating paddle boaters. First, we have to be states face similar challenges. However, to avoid most requirements focus on motorboats. able reach paddle boaters with safety messages seeing the boating safety record turn negative, and educational opportunities. Second, many we must find ways to better serve all of our Typically, paddlesports may evoke images of of our recreational boating safety organizations recreational boaters. small lakes and streams; the fact is that are focused on motor boating and sailing. Since paddleboats may be found on all types of registration of paddleboats is spotty, gaining

Rescue Curve (continued from page 13) The fourth line of defense is rescue by people on the rescue. Generally, the rescue squad has Rescue courses address the needs of self-rescue outside of your group. This group is often extensive amounts of rescue equipment and rescue by others in your group. In contrast, subdivided into two subgroups, other people available to use. They have the training and the Rescue 3's program addresses the needs of who happen to pass by and rescue squads. In access to large numbers of rescue personnel the rescue squad. The Rescue Curve aids in the terms of time, the rescue squad will usually take when needed. When appropriate, the market differentiation between these two the longest to arrive upon the scene. However, circumstances, the command structure programs. This approach can easily be applied in terms of trained personnel, amount of gravitates toward the more formal incident to other boating safety programs as well. personnel and equipment, they bring the most command structure. In contrast, the rescue Herein lies the power and the usefulness of the expertise to the rescue scene. This is the last equipment available to the individual boater is Rescue Curve to the boating safety community. defense because if nothing else intervenes, there only what they bring with them. Generally, are no options left. they have less rescue training, the number of Robert B. Kauffman is an associate professor of people available for the rescue is limited to Recreation and Parks Management and the The next phase is body recovery. It is also the those in the group, and there are not enough director of Recreation with Frostburg State last phase. people to warrant a formal command structure. University in Frostburg, Md. He is a member of the Board of Directors of the American Canoe The rescue curve looks at the probability of The rescue curve is helpful in assisting boating Association and was responsible for the videos survival in terms of the time it takes to effect a organizations to target their safety programs. "Cold, Wet and Alive" and "Heads Up – River rescue. Other factors such as equipment, For example, in the whitewater community the Rescue for River Runners." training and command structure have an affect American Canoe Association’s Swiftwater

NASBLA small craft advisory • jul/aug2004 • page 21 coast guard COMMENTS

Capt. Scott Evans Chief, Office of Boating Safety Paddlesports Enthusiasts Are Boaters Too Paddlecraft have been around for a long time – whitewater or big ocean waves. No getting a vessel safety check, taking a boating a great deal longer than our country has been a matter what type of paddling one wishes to do, safety course, wearing life jackets, and not country. In fact, canoes have been found in there is a boat built to do it. boating under the influence of alcohol or Florida that are over 6,000 years old, and prescription drugs. kayaks found in Alaska date over 2,000 years Gordon Black and Charlie Wilson of the old. It is probably safe to say that early paddlers American Canoe Association (ACA) illustrated In years past these important, life-saving were the first boating community. this point during the International Boating and messages have been put out through boating Water Safety Summit in Panama City Beach. In magazines and publications, manufacturers, So why is it that a majority of the modern-day a breakout session on accident investigations boat dealers, marinas, and boating safety boating community doesn’t consider paddlers involving paddlecraft they pointed out that the organizations. And we continue to try to reach to be boaters? And why do paddlers hesitate to design features of a particular craft tells the the paddling community through such consider themselves boaters? The fact of the boater what the intended use of the boat is. organizations such as the American Canoe matter is that we are all boaters. But what are They spoke of length, width and rocker, and Association and the Professional Paddlesports the differences (either perceived or actual, the role each plays in speed and Association. physical, social or cultural)? maneuverability. Whether someone wants to paddle on a lake, go offshore, or play in the Unfortunately the major problem is that those To start, let’s look at power boaters and sailors. whitewater, there is the right boat to do it in. paddlers that are most at risk do not belong to The most obvious difference is propulsion. But, paddling associations, nor are they likely to visit even that point becomes blurred as many With regards to regulatory requirements, marinas or boat sailing vessels have auxiliary power. paddlecraft are required to carry certain dealers or read equipment on board just as other boats. And all boating Many sailors say they sail because of the vessels are required to adhere to the exhilaration and freedom they experience when Navigation Rules when on waters subject out on the open water under full sail. In to the rules. addition, they feel it has a sense of nostalgia about it, and it is more environmentally Paddlecraft also enjoy some exemptions. friendly. For example, they are not required to carry fire extinguishers or Type IV Power boaters, on the other hand, talk of the throwable PFDs. But then certain sailing freedom of being on the water and the and power-driven vessels also have exemptions. magazines. It is these exhilaration found in the speed and boaters who see that beautiful calm lake surface performance of their craft. And, with their So back to the original question: "What makes or slowly meandering river but fail to see the power-driven craft they don’t have to depend paddlers different from other boaters?" The danger. They figure that if they capsize, they’ll on the vagaries of the wind. Besides, many feel answer is nothing. just get a little wet. What they don’t realize is that "sailing is too much work." what happens if the paddle or canoe hits them Then why do so many paddlers and others on the head as they enter the water. They don’t While there are differences, they are far outside the paddling community not see understand that the water in that snowmelt-fed outweighed by the similarities. Equipment paddlers as boaters? Part of the issue is that lake is only 52 degrees even though the air requirements, responsibility to the Navigation paddlers see paddling as a way to play or an temperature is a balmy 80 degrees. They don’t Rules, waterways used, places visited, reasons enjoyable means of exercise. Thus they view know how difficult and exhausting it can be to for being on the water, etc. are largely the same. their vessel a piece of equipment, not as a boat. re-enter a capsized canoe or kayak without It is much the same way as many of us look at assistance or knowing the proper techniques. So what does a paddler look like? The bicycles. Today most don’t consider a bicycle as They don’t realize how important balance is in American Canoe Association’s (ACA) recently a means of ground transportation, but rather as a paddlecraft, and what can happen if they published report Critical Judgment II: a means to exercise and have fun. But, in this simply move too fast within the boat. Understanding and Preventing Canoe and Kayak same comparison, most state laws still consider Fatalities makes a very telling statement: "There bicycles as vehicles, which must obey traffic laws. Who are these people who don’t understand is no typical profile of a person who goes these things? They are the ones who probably paddling in a canoe or kayak." Paddlers quite With that in mind, regardless of perception or didn’t buy their paddlecraft from an outfitter. literally come from all walks of life. opinion, paddlers are boaters, and their canoes, They probably bought it from a department or kayaks, rafts, shells, etc. are boats. To address discount store, a yard sale, or just borrowed it The reasons people paddle are nearly as diverse this issue, we are making a concerted effort to from a friend. They are the ones that no one as its participants. There are those that seek the reach out to the paddling community and let told they needed to wear a life jacket. They are quite solitude of floating on a calm lake or them know they are a part of the overall the large majority of those paddlers who die stream, others wish to experience nature in its boating community. each year. They are the very ones we must reach purest form to quietly observe, others do it for and let them know they are boaters and that the fun and exercise and family time, still others Boating involves certain risks, and all boaters messages of boating safety are for them. seek the rush and exhilaration of running need to know how to mitigate those risks by

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

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2004-2005 RECREATIONAL BOATING SAFETY CALENDAR

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

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