Captain Rick Blog

Most auto accidents happen close to home .... same applies to boating. Many individuals passed away or were critically injured because they were never took a simple boating safety course. Just last year alone the waters in upstate New York and out on Long Island claimed the lives of a dozen people.

When out on the water, be prepared, to expect the unexpected. Perhaps, the most vulnerable people to get injured are our kids. Taking precautions and schooling our kids will keep them safe when on the water with their parents and will complete an enjoyable day on the water.

It is important to have a Ditch Bag when boating off shore. This bag should be easily accessible and ready to take with you over board or in any emergency.

A rescue might take more than a couple of minutes. The items in this bag will help you survive or make you time of emergency bearable. No list can be considered complete, so add what you can think of. Having the bag with you is definitely a piece of mind.

Practice makes perfect! …. the trip from your home or boat strorage to the launch ramp can be as challenging as being out on the water. But with some preparation and practice, you can spend more time on the water than the road and more time on the water. 

The boating season will soon be in full swing … Speaking of Swinging … When you anchor, you must be aware of your surroundings due to the current “swinging” your boat.

Being at anchor is a big part of boating life.

A nice day on the water can turn harmful and even deadly.

Recently, the number of people who have been struck by propellers has increased. As some have accidentally fell in the water, the propeller blades on the boat which is going back to pick up the individual can strike them. In fact between 185 and 265 accidents occur each year because of propeller strikes; 28 to 47 turn out to be fatal. Just last summer a 10 year old boy was fatally injured at Atlantic Beach in Long Island was struck in the leg while he was swimming.

After a brutal winter full of snow, wind and even a polar vortex; Friday March 21st marks the first day of spring.  With spring around the corner, warmer, more enjoyable weather will come along and boating season will get back into full swing. The weather has risen to the mid 50’s.

As we rush to the boats and the desire to put them back in use; here is a checklist to ensure the safety and integrity of your boat. Taking these few steps will keep you and your guests safe on the water.

All individuals born on or after 05/01/1996 are now required to successfully complete an approved course in boater education in order to operate a motorboat.

Everyone over 14 yrs old must be have this certificate to operate a PWC (AKA JetSki License). You must be at least 14 yrs old to drive a PWC.

It takes passionate-diehard boaters to be out on the water during the winter months. If you’re one of them, you need to take extra precautions as the Temperatures both air and water has plummeted.

Think about some of the tips to help keep you safer and alive while you’re out there.

New York State has now implemented a program that will now permit you to having your NYS Boating & PWC Safety Certificate marked on your driver's license or other identification document issued by the DMV Dept of Motor Vehicles.

Anyone that has successfully completed the New York Safe Boating and Jetski Course may choose to have it indicated on their driver's license, non-driver ID, or learner's permit. A small anchor icon will be placed on your DMV document, Showing that you have earned a New York State boating safety certificate.