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USCG
Auxiliary column
By James J. Rudy
Kayaking/canoeing enthusiasts must
be careful, too
 This
article should be of interest to the folks that kayak and canoe on
our area waters. In a year where overall recreational boating
fatalities decreased from 710 in 2006 to 685 in 2007 the number of
fatalities associated with the use of canoes/kayaks increased to 107
in 2007, compared with 99 in 2006.
This is according to statistics from the U.S. Coast
Guards Office of Auxiliary and Boating Safety. The figure
represents about 15.6 percent of the total of all recreational
boating fatalities in the United States in 2007.
Of the 107 fatalities associated with
kayaking/canoeing, 97 were from drowning (66 canoe/31 kayak). The
complete 2007 Recreational Boating Statistics are available at
www.uscgboating.org.htm.
A recent study by the Outdoor Industry Foundation has
shown a dramatic increase in the number of Americans participating
in kayaking, a 23 percent increase in 2005 alone. As the number of
people turning to kayaking/canoeing rises (especially with rising
fuel costs), so does the risk for kayak and canoe operators getting
themselves into trouble.
The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and the American Canoe
Association (www.americancanoe.org)
offers some basic safety tips:
Always wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved life
jacket.
Be comfortable in the water, getting in and out of
the boat.
Obtain the knowledge, skills, and ability necessary
for kayaking and canoeing.
Always boat with a group. Three boats is a
recommended minimum.
Know how to self-rescue. Practice! Practice!
Practice!
File a float plan, with friends, family or the
authorities.
Bring appropriate safety, rescue, and navigational
aids, and more than adequate food, water, and extra protective
clothing. Do not wear cotton!
Pick an activity level that matches your ability,
and progress to more demanding challenges.
Monitor your physical and emotional condition, and
watch the other members or your group for fatigue, illness, and
changes in behavior.
Know and follow all local, state and federal laws.
Be visible wear bright colors so others can see
you between waves or in the fog. Carry a bright light, flares, and
whistle to signal your position.
Take a safe boating class offered by the U.S. Coast
Guard Auxiliary.
To sign up for our areas next U.S. Coast Guard
Auxiliary safe boating class, contact Jim Rudy at (864) 972-2085 or
email: jimrudy@bellsouth.net.
For additional information on
the Auxiliary and its activities on lakes Hartwell and Keowee,
contact Flotilla 25 Lakes Hartwell and Keowee at
http://a0700205.uscgaux.info/ or 864-972-2085.
James J. Rudy is USCGA public
affairs officer for Flotilla 25.
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