Atlanta Sail and Power Squadron
By: Greg Clark

Safety first on the Fourth and thereafter

“Be prepared” is the familiar phrase associated with scouting and its founder, Robert Baden-Powell. He was once asked: “Be prepared for what?”

“Why for any old thing,” he replied.

Most would have anticipated a simple reply, “emergencies.” His answer applies to boating too, especially with our low water situation on Lake Lanier. This summer has already claimed lives on the lake. The 4th of July is a time of celebration and many will take that celebration to the water and shorelines. This season calls for boaters to be prepared to assist others, avoid hazards, and prevent accidents. Last year there was 339 arrests in Georgia for boating under the influence. Lanier led Georgia lakes with 51 accidents, more than twice as many as on Lake Allatoona. Low water conditions again this year add to the congestion and risks with our already busy lake.

Being prepared requires training, forethought and time. It is important to anticipate potential emergencies, and to review or practice emergency procedures with your family and friends. Good Samaritans are not optional on the water. You are required by law to assist or render aide if able to boats and people in distress.

Preparation and emergencies are handled best when written check lists are used. The 4th of July is an exciting time. Crowded coves, alcohol, summer heat, fireworks, and fatigue add to the increase in risks during the holiday. Four hours at the helm of a boat has the same effect on the operator as drinking one beer.

Know your passengers: can they operate your vessel in an emergency, can they swim, do they know how where to find emergency equipment, can they provide assistance, will they be able to tell someone how to find you, are they responsible?

Specific risks

• Going aground or hitting a submerged object – first check for all passengers and their conditions, check vessel for leaks, if aground – do not back off until the passengers and vessel are determined safe, use a kedge (small anchor) to avoid prop wash and damage.

• Night operation – check navigation lights at least 30 minutes before sundown, do not blind oncoming vessels with a spotlight or white light, do not use headlights or non-navigation lighting underway.

• Lookout – you must always have a lookout when underway. At anchor you need to keep an anchor watch and someone should monitor people in the water.

• Medical Emergencies – Carbon monoxide poisoning, dehydration, heat stroke. Early signs of carbon monoxide poisoning include cherry red skin similar to sunburn, with headache and tiredness similar to dehydration. Don’t be fooled. Towing and swimming close to the back of boats underway or with generators on at anchor can lead to disaster.

• Fire – Be prepared to abandon ship, to help other boats, and fight fires with the proper (ABC) extinguishers. A – ash fires, B – boil (fires from gasoline, alcohol, oil) E – electrical. Turn off the battery or power source first.

• You are responsible for your boat’s wake. Be courteous to others and avoid adding to the erosion of our shorelines.

• Towing is always dangerous. Keep a safe speed, maintain a close lookout, watch for crossing traffic, and inspect towlines for wear. Avoid standing or sitting directly in line in case the line breaks. Never use metal clips or shackles that can act as a projectile if the line gives way.

• Man overboard. Be prepared to throw a cushion and to maintain a visual on anyone that falls into the water. Be prepared to help injured people. Have a plan to get them back onboard.

• Call for assistance on Channel 16 with your VHF marine radio. Only use “MAYDAY” for life threatening emergencies. Use “PON PON” for other emergencies. Request help from nearby boats. They may able to get to you much quicker. Remember that the USCG Auxiliary volunteers monitor channel 16 on weekends during summer months. To help the community track emergencies on the water, use your cell phone to call 911 first. The operator will notify the DNR, fire/rescue, sheriff’s department, towing service, or the US Coast Guard Auxiliary depending on your emergency. Always know your area and keep a map or chart of the lake handy. GPS, landmarks, navigation aides, and compass bearings will help others come to your assistance quicker.

The Atlanta Sail and Power Squadron wants you to “be prepared.” And like the founder of the Scouts, they want you to be prepared not only for emergencies, but so you can be a responsible and better boater. Safe boating is fun boating. 

Atlanta’s Boat Club can provide for you much of the training through a variety of courses. They can also help you with a free vessel examination with no risk of liability. Highly trained vessel examiners will be delighted to visit your dock, or you may bring your boat to one of the advertised locations to have your boat inspected. They will be able to answer your questions and help you to find problems before they become emergencies.

Gregory D. Clark handles  public relations for the Atlanta Sail and Power Squadron. The Atlanta Sail and Power Squadron is Atlanta’s boating club for everyone. You do not have to own a boat or have experience to join. Safe boating is fun boating. Call today and come visit the next meeting. Help make Lanier a safer place for everyone. Telephone: 404-262-7288/Email: usps-atlanta@comcast.net or on the local website www.usps-atlanta.org/.