SUMMER BOATING- Be Sure to Boat Safely While on the Water

Every summer we see the headlines about boating accidents that injure or kill people having fun on the water. Reasons for the tragedies can include reckless boating, not wearing life jackets, drinking while boating (known as Boating Under the Influence, BUI) among others.

The Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office Marine Services Unit recommends you do the following when you go boating:

·         Know the waterway. Stumps, sand and gravel bars, deadheads etc. can stop or sink your boat.

·         File a float plan with a relative or a friend so that they can call 911 if you do not return when expected.

·         Wear a life jacket.

·         Take a seat, DO NOT ride on the bow, gunwales or transoms of your boat.

·         Take a course and carry your boater education card.

·         Don’t drink and boat.

For more about boater safety, go to,

Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office:

https://snohomishcountywa.gov/Archive.aspx?ADID=479

United States Coast Guard:

http://www.uscgboating.org/