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With that in mind, HUB International New England, the state's largestinsurance agency and one of the biggest operations with HUB InternationalLimited, urges boaters to make safety a priority this season.
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"Each year, hundreds of Massachusetts boaters are injured on our state'slakes, ponds, rivers and oceans," said John Tarantino, Director of RiskManagement Services for HUB International New England. "Whether you operate aboat or are a passenger, it is important that you use common sense and followsafe boating rules."
With Massachusetts' 1,500 miles of ocean coastline, it's no wonder thatresidents here are some of the country's most avid recreational boaters. Infact, statistics show that people in Massachusetts spend more than$1.7 billion annually on recreational boating, which equates to 15 percent ofthe entire country's spending in this pastime.
The following simple safety practices can help boaters reduce the risk ofdanger, to themselves, to others and to their boats:
1. Never operate a boat under the influence of alcohol.
2. Always wear life vests, especially in rough water. Last year, 90percent of the recreational boaters who died while boating were not wearinglife jackets, according to the U.S. Coast Guard. If you don't wear your lifevests, make sure there are enough on board for each passenger and that theyare easily accessible.
3. Take advantage of the U.S. Coast Guard's free vehicle safety check.Available to all recreational boaters, this safety check helps to identifyproblems before they happen.
4. Avoid speeding and reckless boating.
5. Take a boat safety certification course. Not only are these coursesrequired for some segment of the population in 46 of the 50 states, but theyprovide a helpful reminder of boating etiquette, weather warnings, and generalsafety measures. The U.S. Coast Guard found that 70 percent of all boatingfatalities last year occurred on boats where the operator had not receivedboating safety instruction.
6. Obey all posted navigation signs and warnings.
7. Check the weather forecast before you leave the shore and keep yourradio tuned to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) WeatherRadio once out on the water.
8. Tell someone where you're going and what time you expect to return.If you're not back on time, it is that person's responsibility to notify theauthorities.
9. Before leaving shore, make sure you have operational running lights ifthere's even the slightest chance you'll be out after dusk.
10. If you have an internal combustion engine, install a carbon monoxidemonitor. Carbon monoxide is a silent killer that is odorless, colorless andpoisonous.
11. If you're trailering your boat, ensure that your trailer is inworking order and your boat is secure before setting out.
12. Make sure you have enough fuel and oil for the entire trip.
13. Always carry a U.S. Coast Guard approved working fire extinguisherand keep it easily accessible.
14. Don't boat alone, if possible. Have a passenger act as a look-out tokeep watch for swimmers, other boats and watercraft, rocks, shallow bottoms orother dangers.
About HUB International New England
HUB International New England, a HUB International Limited company, namedone of the largest brokers in the reg
