The First Coast Guard District, spanning from Maine to Northern New Jersey, is promoting greater paddlecraft safety awareness during the 2017 boating season in the Northeast, where paddlecraft fatalities have skyrocketed.
The First Coast Guard District, spanning from Maine to Northern New Jersey, is promoting greater paddlecraft safety awareness during the 2017 boating season in the Northeast, where paddlecraft fatalities have skyrocketed.
In 2016, the Northeast saw 28 paddler deaths, more than double the national average according to preliminary data.
“Multiple factors affect boating statistics from year to year,” said Walt Taylor, the recreational boating safety specialist for the First Coast Guard District. “This year, we are focused on paddlecraft safety, awareness, and enforcement to reduce the number of paddlecraft fatalities this boating season.”
Additionally, the U.S. Coast Guard is partnering with paddling organizations, retailers, and local authorities to collaborate, and to promote paddlecraft safety, as well as provide the safety information found at uscgboating.org.
“This paddlecraft safety initiative is a multipartnered effort to educate and remind new, casual, and experienced paddlers to assess the risks, envision the consequences, and be properly prepared for what can and sometimes does go wrong,” said Merri Walker, Massachusetts boating law administrator with the Massachusetts Environmental Police.
“We want all boaters and paddlers to enjoy their time on the water and, most importantly, return home safely,” said Cmdr. Matthew Barker, director of the First Coast Guard District’s Northern Region Auxiliary.
Barker said paddlecraft safety is a critical concern and information is included in all Northern Region Auxiliary public education courses, and numerous events are held to demonstrate the proper handling of canoes and kayaks. Find classes here: a013.uscgaux.info/pe.htm.
Moreover, paddlers in Massachusetts are required to wear life jackets from Sept. 15-May 15; in Connecticut, Oct. 1-May 31; and in New York, Nov. 1-May 1. All mariners should be aware that most states require children under 12 to be in a life jacket at all times while on the water.
