Latest news with #boatingSafety
BBC News
27-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
Boat owners told to keep vessels seaworthy after busy holiday
Boat owners in Cornwall have been told to make sure their vessels are seaworthy after a busy bank holiday for Coastguard said staff were involved in eight lifeboat taskings on Monday, seven coastguard team taskings and two incidents where a helicopter was service said boat owners needed to learn their call signs and ensure their vessels were safe before putting them in the Dave Henry said vessels that were out of the water for a period of time were more likely to breakdown and need rescuing. 'Second time out' Mr Henry said it was a "quite a busy day" for the said: "Generally, from a safety point of view, vehicles are starting to go back on the water. "What we're looking at is that people are making sure their vessels are seaworthy. "We tend to find it's the second time people go out that they break down, not the first. "I think it's to do with filters and fuel, so, if the vessels not serviced, it gives up on the second go, when people have more confidence, which is always unfortunate." Mr Henry asked boat owners to make sure they knew their vessel's call sign as well as its name. He said: "If we've got a call sign, we can identify it and, if something further happens, at least we have details and we can chase it back through emergency contacts. "I'm sure there are a lot of vessels called Herring Gull, or something along those lines, so further details are always useful to us so we can chase it up if we can't get hold of you."
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Yahoo
What's your float plan for Memorial Day weekend? TN agencies recommend these safety tips
The long-awaited, three-day holiday weekend held each year in May marks an unofficial start to summer and fun on the water for many. For others, Memorial Day serves as a stark reminder of the importance of boating safety. Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency officials say four incidents have resulted in five fatalities in 2025, one of which involved a paddle craft. More: Missing 12-year-old Clarksville boy's body found in Red River after days-long search One fatality was reported over the Memorial Day holiday weekend in 2024. "We want to encourage everyone to always boat responsibly," TWRA Boating and Law Enforcement Division Lt. Col. Matt Majors said in a release. "Our waterways are enjoyed by all types of vessels, both small and large. Please maintain a proper lookout at all times and ensure alcohol and drugs are not part of your float plan." Tennessee offers boating enthusiasts several opportunities to enjoy its resources throughout the Volunteer State, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency announced in a release. In participation with the 2025 National Safe Boating Week, the agency is encouraging all boaters to brush up on boating safety skills now ahead of the summer boating season. National Safe Boating Week is held the week before Memorial Day weekend and serves as the annual kick-off for the Safe Boating Campaign, a global awareness effort that encourages responsible boating. According to the release, boating partners across the United States and Canada, including the TWRA and other local partner organizations, have teamed up to emphasize safe boating practices like wearing life jackets and educate the boating community on options that are lightweight and comfortable. The Nashville Office of Emergency Management and Nashville Fire Department say they want everyone to be safe over the holiday weekend and prioritize boating safety. "Whether you're hitting the road, spending time on our Metro Nashville Davidson County waterways, or gathering with family and friends, it's essential to stay mindful of safety," Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County Community Services Manager and Public Information Officer Joseph Pleasant said in a release. "For those who plan to enjoy the beautiful waterways this weekend, boating safety is a top priority. Always wear a life jacket and ensure that all passengers do the same." Before hitting the water, officials encourage everyone to create a float plan. Here are some TWRA recommended safety tips for boaters: Boating safety courses offer valuable knowledge and on-water experience with many options for novice to experienced boaters. For more about TWRA boating safety education, visit Schedule a free vessel safety check with local U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or U.S. Power Squadrons to make sure all essential equipment is present, working and in good condition. Always let someone on shore know the trip itinerary, including operator and passenger information, boat type and registration and communication equipment on board. Ensure everyone on board wears a life jacket every time. A stowed life jacket is no use in an emergency. Use an engine cut-off device, or engine cut-off switch, to stop the boat's engine if the operator unexpectedly falls overboard. Always check the forecast before departing on the water and frequently during the excursion. Nearly a quarter of all reported boating accidents last year were caused by operator inattention or improper lookout. Be familiar with the area, local boating speed zones and always travel at a safe speed. Don't drink and drive, a boat that is. A BUI, or boating under the influence, is involved in one-third of all recreational boating fatalities. Always designate a sober skipper. Stay in touch with others by having more than one communication device that works when wet. VHF radios, emergency locator beacons, satellite phones and cell phones can all be important devices in an emergency. Katie Nixon can be reached at knixon@ This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Tennesseans hit the water Memorial Day, agencies urge boater safety
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Keeping yourself, others safe this Memorial Day weekend
AUSTIN (KXAN) — Memorial Day weekend is here, and local first responders have issued safety reminders. KXAN's Avery Travis and Will DuPree sat down with representatives from Lake Travis Fire Rescue (LTFR) and the Travis County Sheriff's Office (TCSO) to talk about safety tips to keep in mind this weekend. TCSO urged lake safety and sober driving ahead of Memorial Day weekend. According to the sheriff's office, deputies will be patrolling roadways throughout the county, as well as additional deputies on patrol in the Lake Travis area. RELATED | APD to increase downtown, lake patrols over Memorial Day Weekend Deputies will be on the lookout for intoxicated drivers, reckless driving and street racers. 'Please be mindful and alert for deputies working in the area and do not operate a boat while intoxicated,' TCSO said. 'Safe driving speeds should be observed when traveling on the lake and while towing tubes, skiers and wakeboarders.' The sheriff's office said lake levels in the county were low due to drought conditions, and boaters should be aware of hidden dangers, such as trees and debris. LTFR said it typically responds to dehydration calls and accidents on the lake, usually after a person dove into the lake and came out with a major head or neck injury. Boating safety tips Wear a life jacket Do not dive into the lake headfirst No drinking and boating Stay hydrated Be aware of carbon monoxide with idling boats Cooking safety tips Never leave your grill unattended Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from the grill Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
NHSP share summer safety tips for drivers, boaters Summer season begins
Memorial Day weekend unofficially kicks off the summer season, and New Hampshire State police are reminding all residents and visitors to stay safe. Traffic volumes increase on the state's scenic highways and waterways in warmer weather. Troopers encourage everyone to follow safe driving practices, like buckling up and complying with speed limits. Anyone traveling with children should also ensure car seats are properly installed and used. Marine Patrol Officers are reminding everyone enjoying the Granite State's beautiful lakes, ponds, and rivers to practice basic boating safety: always wear a life jacket – it's the law for children under 13 – and check water temperatures before boating or swimming. Boaters should also dress appropriately, file a float plan, and carry a marine radio or cell phone in a waterproof case in the event their watercraft becomes disabled or if they need help. NHSP is recommending the following: Avoid impairment. If consuming alcohol, designate a sober driver or use a rideshare service. Don't drive if medication impairs perception or motor skills. Avoid distractions. Drivers should keep their hands on the wheel, their eyes on the road, and their phone in the console. Let someone else choose the music – just keep the volume low enough to hear outside warnings. Avoid aggressive operation. Comply with speed limits to perceive, react to, and avoid hazards. Maintain safe distances between other vehicles or boats. Look carefully for oncoming traffic before merging or turning. Adjust for conditions. Heavy rain can reduce visibility and cause ponding on roadways. Drivers should always operate for conditions and reduce speed to avoid hydroplaning. On the water, high winds can create rough waters, and boaters should decrease speed to prevent capsizing. By adhering to these tips, drivers and boaters can help prevent injuries and deaths across the state. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Yahoo
Memorial Day weekend: How to stay safe while traveling, enjoying the outdoors
Memorial Day is a time to honor fallen servicemembers, but it's also one of America's busiest travel weekends. Many Tennesseans will be hitting the road, heading to lakes, and firing up the grill for backyard cookouts. As travel plans are made and grills are fired up, here's what to know to keep Memorial Day a safe and joyful celebration of America's heroes. Nearly 39.4 million Americans are expected to be on the road this weekend, according to AAA. The roadside assistance organization said the most common vehicle problems during last year's holiday weekend were flat tires and dead batteries. AAA recommends travelers test batteries, brakes and tires before beginning their Memorial Day activities. It is also important to adhere to speed limits during the busy travel weekend and to not drink and drive, AAA noted. On holiday weekends, such as Memorial Day and Fourth of July, police monitor roads for reckless driving at an increased level to prevent crashes. As the Memorial Day holiday ushers in the summer, many Tennesseans will head to lakes and rivers. American Red Cross officials recommend remaining aware of weather conditions and surroundings while also using life jackets and other safety equipment and obeying the rules. The state of Tennessee recorded 27 recreational boating fatalities and 58 injuries during the year in its 2023 incident statistical report, which is the most recent available data. It illegal to operate a boat while under the influence of drugs and alcohol. Operating a boat while under the influence also has the same potential consequences as driving under the influence and can count as a second offense to a DUI. Grilling indoors, failing to make sure the grill ignites, or keeping the grill too close to any structures can all lead to an unwanted fire that will ruin the Memorial Day festivities, according to the American Red Cross. It is important to keep a fire extinguisher in an accessible place. If there is a fire that is not containable with a fire extinguisher call 911. Another crucial step in ensuring the success of a Memorial Day barbecue is properly cooking all meat to the appropriate internal temperature. Beef and pork should be cooked to at least 145 degrees, ground meat to 160 degrees, and poultry to 165 degrees. When grilling, pets and children should be kept away from the grill to prevent burns and an adult should always be supervising the grill. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: How to stay safe and prevent injuries this Memorial Day holiday
