As summer approaches, boating enthusiasts are being reminded of the inherent dangers of the water by a seasoned expert in the field. Capt. Geoff Fahringer, a former law enforcement officer and licensed U.S. Coast Guard boating captain, has shared a series of critical safety tips after the U.S. Coast Guard reported 564 deaths and 3,844 boating mishaps in 2023. His insights emphasize the importance of basic training and adherence to safety protocols to prevent tragedies on the water. The rising number of accidents highlights the need for vigilance, particularly with the increased number of boaters taking to the water during the summer months.
Fahringer, who has a 50-year career in law enforcement, including roles as a SWAT officer and major crimes detective in upstate New York and a member of the sheriff’s department dive team in Florida, warns that the most common danger he has observed is a lack of training among boaters. He has recounted instances where individuals had their children riding on the bow with their feet hanging off the front, and a lack of life jackets, leading to preventable accidents. The data from the Coast Guard’s Boating Safety Division reveals that operator inexperience accounted for 414 boating accidents, resulting in 200 injuries and 44 deaths in 2023, according to the latest available report.
Navigation rules violations also play a significant role, with 210 accidents reported, causing 214 injuries and 24 deaths. These incidents underscore the importance of not only training but also understanding and following maritime regulations. Recently, two Florida men were charged with violating the Coast Guard’s navigational rules after their vessel struck and killed 15-year-old ballerina Ella Adler in Key Biscayne, highlighting the severe consequences of such violations. Similarly, a sport fishing boat slamming into a jetty in Meschutt Beach, New York, injured four individuals, and the incident is under investigation, emphasizing the need for greater caution and adherence to boating safety practices.
The Coast Guard’s data also reveals a grim statistic: 75 percent of fatal boating accident victims drowned, with 88 percent of those individuals not wearing a life jacket. These numbers have prompted Fahringer to advocate for a proactive approach, including the use of safety checklists that every boater should complete before embarking on their journey. He emphasizes the importance of not only checking that all equipment is functioning correctly but also developing a habit of routine safety checks. Additionally, Fahringer recommends that boaters avoid relying solely on a cellular phone, which may not be reliable in remote locations, and instead use a VHF radio, which is a must-have for communication in case of emergencies.
VHF radio channel 16 is the universal distress channel, and Fahringer notes that marine authorities often respond to calls on this channel before 911, which can be crucial in cases where a boat is far from shore. He also underscores the value of first aid training, particularly in situations where immediate medical assistance is not readily available. Moreover, he warns boaters of other dangers that can lurk in the water, such as stinging jellyfish, riptides, and sharp objects that can cause abrasions, as well as harmful bacteria that can pose health risks to swimmers and boaters alike.
In conclusion, Fahringer urges boaters to enjoy their time on the water but to do so with a heightened sense of awareness and preparedness. His recommendations serve as a wake-up call for enthusiasts to prioritize safety measures, as the statistics are a sobering reminder of the potential consequences of neglecting basic boating protocols.