Getting in the water this holiday weekend? Put that life jacket on
This story was originally posted on MyNorthwest.com
The holiday weekend is almost here, and it will be warm. Are you heading out on the water? Put on your life jacket!
Washington has seen 23 boating deaths in the past two years. Officials said 61% of those involved paddle sports, like kayaking or canoeing.
'Eighty-six percent of those fatalities were not wearing life jackets,' Rob Sendak, the state's boating law administrator, said.
Today is the last day ofNational Safe Boating Week. Sendak recommends that anyone who gets in the water wear a life jacket.
'It's our mission to save lives,' Sendak said.
U.S. Coast Guard Lt. Cmdr. Tom Bower told KIRO Newsradio that when someone gets in trouble, time is of the essence.
'That's the hardest thing for any—I think any law enforcement agency or search and rescue agency would say the same thing—because of the cold water that we have here,' Bower said.
Puget Sound is only in the lower 50s right now. Sendak urges everyone to wear a life jacket, no matter how calm the water looks. Officials said paddlers are especially at risk in spring and early summer.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Miami Herald
3 days ago
- Miami Herald
Florida Thunderstorms Warning, All Boats Ordered to Safe Harbor
The National Weather Service issued an urgent marine warning early Wednesday morning for offshore waters stretching from Deerfield Beach to Ocean Reef, Florida, amid severe thunderstorms capable of generating waterspouts and damaging wind gusts. At 5:10 a.m. EDT, meteorologists detected a line of intense thunderstorms about 15 nautical miles southeast of Pacific Reef and 20 nautical miles northeast of Floyd's Wall Northeast. The storm system was moving north at approximately 15 knots and was being monitored via radar, according to the alert. Interactive maps from showed the areas expected to be hit by the extreme weather. The storm presents a serious hazard to maritime traffic, particularly for smaller vessels operating beyond 20 nautical miles off the coast. The primary threats include the development of waterspouts-dangerous tornado-like columns of rotating air over water-as well as wind gusts exceeding 34 knots (39 mph). The weather service warned that such conditions could easily capsize small boats and generate hazardous wave activity. "Waterspouts can easily overturn boats and create locally hazardous seas," the National Weather Service advisory stated. "Small craft could be damaged in briefly higher winds and suddenly higher waves." The affected area includes offshore waters from Deerfield Beach to Ocean Reef, not including the territorial waters of the Bahamas. Authorities emphasized that the most dangerous weather conditions would remain primarily over open water. However, all mariners in the region were urged to take immediate precautions. Boaters were advised to move to safe harbor until the hazardous weather passes. The alert also requested that reports of severe weather be submitted to the U.S. Coast Guard or directly to the National Weather Service, including through social media channels managed by the Miami office. While no direct public statements accompanied the marine advisory, the National Weather Service emphasized safety over convenience. "Move to safe harbor until hazardous weather passes," the advisory read. "Report severe weather to the Coast Guard or the National Weather Service." The severe thunderstorm activity is expected to continue moving northward through the morning hours. Further updates are anticipated as conditions evolve. Mariners are encouraged to maintain close communication with NOAA Weather Radio and NWS Miami for real-time updates. Additional advisories may be issued if the situation worsens or if storms intensify near populated coastlines or navigational routes. Related Articles Florida Weatherman Issues DOGE Cuts Warning During TV ForecastWoman Suing Taylor Swift Asks Her Attorneys to Help Her in the CaseMan Jumps Mar-a-Lago Wall to Marry Trump's Granddaughter: Police5-Star Miami Hotel Sued After Worker Allegedly Entered Woman's Bathroom 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Newsweek
3 days ago
- Newsweek
Florida Thunderstorms Warning, All Boats Ordered to Safe Harbor
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The National Weather Service issued an urgent marine warning early Wednesday morning for offshore waters stretching from Deerfield Beach to Ocean Reef, Florida, amid severe thunderstorms capable of generating waterspouts and damaging wind gusts. At 5:10 a.m. EDT, meteorologists detected a line of intense thunderstorms about 15 nautical miles southeast of Pacific Reef and 20 nautical miles northeast of Floyd's Wall Northeast. The storm system was moving north at approximately 15 knots and was being monitored via radar, according to the alert. Interactive maps from showed the areas expected to be hit by the extreme weather. Why It Matters The storm presents a serious hazard to maritime traffic, particularly for smaller vessels operating beyond 20 nautical miles off the coast. The primary threats include the development of waterspouts—dangerous tornado-like columns of rotating air over water—as well as wind gusts exceeding 34 knots (39 mph). The weather service warned that such conditions could easily capsize small boats and generate hazardous wave activity. "Waterspouts can easily overturn boats and create locally hazardous seas," the National Weather Service advisory stated. "Small craft could be damaged in briefly higher winds and suddenly higher waves." What to Know The affected area includes offshore waters from Deerfield Beach to Ocean Reef, not including the territorial waters of the Bahamas. Authorities emphasized that the most dangerous weather conditions would remain primarily over open water. However, all mariners in the region were urged to take immediate precautions. Boaters were advised to move to safe harbor until the hazardous weather passes. The alert also requested that reports of severe weather be submitted to the U.S. Coast Guard or directly to the National Weather Service, including through social media channels managed by the Miami office. What People Are Saying While no direct public statements accompanied the marine advisory, the National Weather Service emphasized safety over convenience. "Move to safe harbor until hazardous weather passes," the advisory read. "Report severe weather to the Coast Guard or the National Weather Service." What's Next The severe thunderstorm activity is expected to continue moving northward through the morning hours. Further updates are anticipated as conditions evolve. Mariners are encouraged to maintain close communication with NOAA Weather Radio and NWS Miami for real-time updates. Additional advisories may be issued if the situation worsens or if storms intensify near populated coastlines or navigational routes.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
US Coast Guard responding to cargo ship fire near Alaska; no injuries reported
(Reuters) -The U.S. Coast Guard said on Wednesday it was responding to a fire on board a 600 foot (183 m) cargo ship near Alaska, but added that no injuries had been reported. The ship, Morning Midas, had 22 people on board and was located 300 miles (482.8 km) southwest of Adak in Alaska. The ship's crew was actively fighting the fire, the coast guard said. The Liberia-flagged cargo ship's destination was set for Lazaro Cardenas in Mexico, according to LSEG data. The coast guard said that aircrews and a cutter ship were en route to assist with the situation, and three vessels were already on scene. The U.S. Coast Guard and the ship's owner Hawthorn Navigation Limited did not immediately reply to requests for comment.
