National Safe Boating Week

National Safe Boating Week is May 21-27, 2016 and is the launch of the 2016 North American Safe Boating Campaign. This yearlong campaign promotes safe and responsible boating and the value of voluntary, consistent life jacket wear by recreational boaters through the national theme, Wear It!

The local US Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 11-04 in South Lake Tahoe is promoting the Wear It! campaign and hopes it will remind boaters of the importance of boating safely, including consistent life jacket wear, boating sober, knowing navigational rules and having a proper lookout.

Brian H. Williams of South Shore’s Auxiliary Flotilla points out the additional dangers of Lake Tahoe’s Cold Water.

“Immersion in cold water is a hazard for anyone participating in recreational boating on Lake Tahoe," said Williams. "Hypothermia can occur after the body temperature decreases due to exposure to cold water for a period of time. Be cautious. Use common sense while boating.”

The City of South Lake Tahoe issued a proclamation in support of boating safety with the following:

Recreational boating in South Lake Tahoe is fun and enjoyable, and boat owners and operators are fortunate that our local waterways can accommodate numerous boaters. However, the enjoyment of boating entails risks. The top five risk factors for accident or death while boating are: operator inattention, including that caused by the use of alcohol or drugs while operating a boat; improper lookout; operator inexperience and/or lack of knowledge obeying the nautical “Rules of the Road;” excessive speed, and machinery failure.

New life jackets are much more comfortable, lightweight and stylish than the bulky orange style most boaters know. There are innovative options, such as inflatable life jackets, allowing mobility and flexibility for activities like boating, fishing, paddling or hunting, and are much cooler in the warmer weather.

For more information on the US Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 11-04 go online to sltcgaux.org.