Coast Guard Auxiliary Reports
This past week, new providers were all sharing the story of a father and his daughter who were jet skiing on Lake Thonotosassa when their jet ski sank. Thankfully, both were wearing life jackets, although the father shared his was not properly fitting. After about an hour of treading water, the pair was rescued by good Samaritans and a local sheriff.
The pair had told someone where they were going, and when they did not return on time, concern was raised. This story thankfully has a good ending.
When you are going out on a jet ski, it is important to practice safe riding to make sure you have a good day out on the water. Discover Boating has the following tips.
• Familiarize yourself with the owners’ manual and all safety warnings, paying particular attention to the operation of the jet jump.
• Never attempt to board when the engine is running and keep loose clothing and long hair clear of the pump intake.
• As with any type of boating, thoroughly understand boating laws and the rules of the road. Many states impose stricter age restrictions on personal watercraft use. Check local boating laws for the specifics in your area.
Most states also require minors who wish to operate a PWC to complete a boating education course to obtain a Boater Card or Certificate.
• Different size PWC have different passenger and weight capacities; exceeding either could negatively affect the handling of the craft.
•Familiarize yourself with the handlebar steering, throttle control and safety lanyard. Never operate a PWC without the safety lanyard attached to both craft and driver’s wrist or life jacket. Remove the lanyard whenever the craft is unattended to prevent unauthorized use.
• Driver and passengers should always wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket.
• Eyewear will block the force of wind and water spray that could impair vision.
• Gloves and footwear offer welcome additional grip and traction.
To learn more about any one of these and more check out https://www.discoverboating.com/resources/personal-watercraft-safety-and-you
Thanks to Sherrie, we will always remember safe boating is no accident!
If you would like to learn more about vessel safety checks, please contact Steve Hults, Staff Officer for Vessel Examinations at steve.hults@uscgaux.net.
Please contact us for more information about our safe boating classes or learning more about getting involved in the Auxiliary, check out our website at www.uscgaux.net follow us on FaceBook @ Apalachee Bay Flotilla 12 or contact our Flotilla Commander Phil Hill at pnkkhill2000@yahoo.com.
Please contact us to learn more about getting involved in the Auxiliary, check out our website at www.uscgaux.net follow us on FaceBook @ Apalachee Bay Flotilla 12 or contact our Flotilla Commander Phil Hill at pnkkhill2000@yahoo.com
The Coast Guard Auxiliary is the uniformed civilian volunteer component of the U.S. Coast Guard and supports the Coast Guard in nearly all mission areas. The Auxiliary was created by Congress in 1939. For more information, please visit www.cgaux.org.