Press Release

According to the Southern California Marine Association (SCMA), one of the largest and oldest marine trade associations in the country, a great majority of boating fatalities can be prevented by being prepared, and most importantly, by wearing proper life jackets.

"Boating is one of the safest and more popular forms of family recreation," explains Dave Geoffroy, executive director of the SCMA. "Yet, as in any sporting activity, if you're not observant of some basic safety precautions, accidents will happen." The two most common types are falling overboard and capsizing.

For families heading out to their local waterways this weekend, the SCMA, which is celebrating National Safe Boating Week, May 18 - 24, offers the following tips to ensure an enjoyable boating experience:

• Ensure your insurance policy and license are current.


• File a trip plan with a family member or friend, informing them of where you will be heading and when you expect to return.


• Thoroughly inspect the motor, propellers and fittings before embarking.Ensure fuel lines are clean and there are no leaks.


• Check the local weather forecast prior to heading out. Weather conditions can change suddenly.


• Do not overload a boat with passengers and cargo which can make it unstable. Read the boat manufacturer's manual if you are unfamiliar with a particular craft.


• Carry proper life jackets and ensure each passenger wears them, as required by law. Ensure they fit properly for adults and children. For water skiers, ensure a spotter is aboard with flags to warn other boaters of a fallen skier.


• Do not drink alcohol and operate a boat. Drinking while boating impairs reaction times and is just as dangerous as driving an automobile while under the influence. Not only is consuming alcohol or drugs dangerous to your passengers and other boaters, it's also illegal.


• Be aware of speeds and posted speed limits in marinas. Many accidents are caused by overzealous boaters who lose control of their craft upon hitting another boat's wake or misjudge their speed when approaching slower moving craft.


• Only anchor a boat from the bow. Anchoring astern can frequently cause a small boat to capsize and sink.

Boating's popularity continues to increase, with the SCMA's Geoffroy anticipating one of the biggest boating seasons ever.

"Families are sticking together this summer," Geoffroy says. "If the surge in sales during our Los Angeles and Orange County boat shows earlier this year are indicative of what to expect, we'll see many new happy families enjoying the state's beautiful recreational facilities."