Town and Coast Guard Officials Gather at Birdseye Landing to Stress Boating Safety

Town officials gathered on a cold and cloudy Monday, which was better suited for reading one's favorite book beside a fire, to emphasize the many facets of safe boating.

Mayor John Harkins, Acting Police Chief Patrick Ridenhour, Interim Fire Chief Brian Lampart and others gathered to speak of the importance of safe boating practices.

Click on any of the five attached video files to hear special speakers.

The moderator of the public safety event was Bill Rock, chairman of the Stratford Waterfront and Harbor Management Commission, and the public affairs officer for the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary in Stratford, which is based at the Birdseye boat launch and dock. 

"The purpose of this event is to promote safe boating," Rock said "In just a few days this boat launching ramp and river will be filled with boats as Memorial Day Weekend, marks the unofficial start of summer and the boating season in our area.

"If the weather continues as it has, that might present an additional concern for boating safety. You may be interested to note that this week also marks National Hurricane preparedness week. That is somewhat fitting as weather awareness plays an important role in safe boating.

"We all go out on the water, unless for commercial reasons, because we like being on the water. The way we get there is in boats.

"Some are engine powered, some are sail driven, and some are paddled. Regardless of the vessel, the motivation is still enjoyment.

"However, because it's so enjoyable sometimes the inherent dangers of a marine environment are lowered in priority as not to interfere with having a good time. You can do both. 

"The fact is humans are not made to live for extended periods of time, either on the surface or under water in a marine environment.  We have adapted to this environment with equipment to swim underwater and vessels of every description to remain afloat on the surface," Rock said.

"Floatation is just one of the many concerns in regard to water safety. Preventing accidents on the water, being properly equipped to deal with them and knowing what to do if they do occur is what boating safety is all about.

"I consider boating safety to be composed of five components in three categories… prevention, practice and aid.

1)   Safety and seamanship education
2)   Proper safety equipment
3)   On the water safe boating habits
4)   Response
5)   Search and Rescue

"In order, the first three of these five components are the responsibility of every individual who owns and operates a water craft of any size, or anyone who is guest or passenger onboard a vessel.

"In other words the first line of defense against a boating related accident is the responsibility of every individual. The last two components are the responsibility of water safety agencies. Those represented here today are the Stratford Police and fire marine units, the harbormaster, Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary.

"Let’s look at the first component … boating education. This is a preventive measure. If you operate a motorized vessel in the state of Connecticut you are required to obtain a safe boating certificate.

"Organizations like the Coast Guard auxiliary offer classes to give you the knowledge necessary to pass the test. But passing the test should only be the beginning.  There are additional classes offered, like charts and navigation, Paddle Sports America and even courses in GPS operation and weather.

"Education shouldn’t stop at formal classes just for boat operators to get their safe boating certificate.  Everyone who boards a vessel, even as a passenger or guest of a boat owner, should learn basic water safety knowledge. It can… and will save your life.

 "The second component is obtaining, maintaining and knowing how to properly operate vessel safety equipment. You wouldn’t go out on the road without breaks or a horn or numerous other safety items on your car. The same is true of a boat.

"And with a boat you can’t just pull over and walk if you have a problem. The singularly most important safety item for everyone on the water is a PFD, which stands for Personal Floatation Device, commonly known as a life jacket.

"There are numerous types and style from which to choose. The Coast Guard has five basic designations of types of flotation devises. These are: off shore, near shore, general purpose, specialty, and throw ring. 

"Each has a purpose. Under specialty PFDs there are other types  for specific uses like paddling jackets, sailing jackets, fishing jackets, inflatable and float coats.

"Then there are several other safety devices that your craft should have ranging from enough life jackets for ALL on board, to sound producing devices, anchors , lights, VHF-FM marine radio, fire extinguishers, dewatering devices, flairs, first aid kits  and others. If you want your vessel inspected free of charge to make sure you have at least the minimum amount of safety equipment, then the Coast Guard Auxiliary can give your boat a vessel safety check.

"The third component is safe boating habits.  When underway know how to operate your boat safely. Know where you are, where you are going and how to get there. Take seamanship courses; learn either basic or advanced navigation. 

"Know how to use the marine radio, what to do if you collide with another vessel or submerged object,   how to set an anchor and how to properly tie up your craft and how to increase your visibility if you are awaiting rescue.

"Develop a basic understanding of weather; learn navigation rules and regulations so you will understand how to read the signs on the water, like buoys and speed zones, learn to read a chart. Let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return. And do not drink alcohol and operate a vessel, the results can be tragic.

"These are just a few things to keep in mind.

"The fourth and fifth components," Rock said, "are response, and search and rescue.

"They are the jobs of the agencies gathered here today. When a boater gets into trouble or there’s an emergency of any kind they respond.

"If a boater is missing and presumably in danger, they launch a search and rescue operation.

"The key is not to let things get to the point of where you find yourself in trouble you can’t handle. By the same token, know when the situation has gotten to the point where you can’t handle it without assistance.

"By applying the first three components, you increase your chances of not having to rely of the services covered in the last two. These agencies are your last line of defense in surviving a boating mishap.

"Nearly a decade ago an initiative created by the Stratford Waterfront and Harbor Management Commission referred to as the Stratford Water Safety Plan was established.

"It is an agreement between the Stratford police marine unit, the fire marine unit, the harbormaster and flotilla 24-02 of the USCG-auxiliary to promote communication and cooperation among the various agencies that operate on the waters bordering town of Stratford.

"The common interest for all of these agencies is Safety. The vessels they use are also represented here today at the docks.

"Each year nationally there are nearly 4,000 boating related accidents resulting in the loss of over 700 lives.  

"Last year in Connecticut there were nearly 60 boating accidents resulting in ten fatalities. Unfortunately many of these involved paddle craft. Paddle craft are small vessels propelled by human power through the use of paddles. They are neither motorized nor wind propelled. Most common are canoes and Kayaks.

"Three of last year’s boating deaths in Connecticut were Kayakers, one involved a canoe.

"Over the past decade, paddle boating has Increased by nearly 300%.

"Nationally, paddle-craft fatalities account for nearly 40% of all boating deaths. 80% of non motorized vessel fatalities are a result of capsizing or a fall overboard and sudden cold water immersion. 90% of these deaths occurred when people were not wearing life jackets. And this year considering the economy and fuel prices there is the potential for more people to turn toward the use of paddle powered vessels.

"There are some simple steps that boaters can take to decrease their chances of being involved in a boating accident."

In addition to the remarks captured on the attached videos, Coast Guard Auxiliary member Jean Trapani spoke on paddle craft safety, bringing several to display. 

"We’ve spoken of paddle craft and the roll they play in today’s boating world. Many organizations, including the Coast Guard Auxiliary are involved in a program called paddle smart, a public education initiative for paddle craft operators," Rock said.  "Jean is a former Appalachian Mountain Club Flatwater Coastal Paddling chair person and has worked with the State Department of Environmental Protection."

Tripani told those in attendance that among the required items when paddling is a cold water life jacket and a whistle. She also strongly recommended that individuals take a class and urged people to contact www.americancanoe.com to learn more.