Recreational Boating Safety – Paddle Craft Vessel Safety Check Part 3

By Bob Currie, Vessel Examiner
United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 081-06-08
USCG Auxiliary Flotilla 081-06-08 is based at Coast Guard Station Galveston. The Auxiliary’s vessel examiners perform safety checks on all types of recreational boats. The U.S. Coast Guard Paddle Craft Vessel Safety Check (VSC) has many recommendations for paddle craft operators. Although many of these recommendations may seem obvious, they are part of the VSC because too many boaters fail to heed the advice and are lost in the process. More paddle craft operators drown than any other type of recreational boater (source: U.S. Coast Guard).

URGENT FIRE EXTINGUISHER RECALL INFORMATION
Before we get into our discussion, I need to let you know about a recall of Kidde fire extinguishers with plastic handles and fire extinguishers for jet skis with push button activation. There have been several failures to operate and one death associated with this recall. FIRE EXTINGUISHER RECALL This safety issue resulted in a death in 2014 when emergency responders could not get the recalled Kidde fire extinguisher to work at a car fire following a crash. There have been about 391 reports of failed or limited activation or nozzle detachment. Including the fatality, there have been approximately 16 injuries — including smoke inhalation and minor burns — and about 91 reports of property damage. The recall involves 134 models of Kidde fire extinguishers manufactured between January 1, 1973 and August 15, 2017, including some models that were previously recalled in March 2009 and in February 2015. The extinguishers were sold in red, white and silver, and are either ABC- or BC-rated. To find out if your fire extinguisher is part of the recall, you may go to our information page, which has links to help you with that determination as well as how you may obtain a free replacement from Kidde:

http://wow.uscgaux.info/content.php?unit=095-33-10&category=fire-extenguisher-


CONSUMER ADVISORY: NON-APPROVED PFDS
As you know if you have been reading this column, acceptable personal flotation devices (PFDs, also known as life preservers or life jackets) must be U.S. Coast Guard approved and in good serviceable condition. Here is the problem: The market has been flooded with non-approved, imported life jackets at ridiculously low prices. These fake life jackets are manufactured in China by Changtong Lifesaving Co. They are advertised on their website, and they are now appearing in discount stores and marine stores. Look for the label that identifies a PFD as “USCG Approved.” Some non-approved models had a label that said “Coast Guard Approved.”

OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PADDLE CRAFT
The Coast Guard has several general recommendations for paddle craft operators. Because of the increase in their use and the number of fatalities associated with paddle craft operators, the Coast Guard has asked vessel examiners to particularly concentrate on paddle craft operator vessel exams.

SWIMMING SKILLS AND LIFE JACKETS
Although paddle craft operators aren’t required to be skilled swimmers, they are strongly urged to improve their swimming ability. With paddle craft, sudden immersion in water is not a rarity. Boaters should always wear U.S. Coast Guard approved life jackets that are designed for the specific activity. The PFD I use when paddling has large cutouts for my arms, which makes paddling much easier. If you cannot swim well, you should not use paddle craft without close supervision. Paddle craft operators should regularly practice their skills in exiting and entering their boats, preferably under the same conditions in which they plan to use the craft.

PREPARE FOR THE WORST
Paddle craft operators should carry whatever equipment will be needed to cope with the worst situation they are apt to encounter on a specific trip, including a life jacket, throw bag, towline, compass, signaling devices, sponge, bailer, spare paddle, gloves, sun glasses, and a hat with a brim. Always dress for an unexpected capsize, and wear a helmet where upsets are likely, as is the case with whitewater paddling. Remember that cold water kills. Remember that we discussed the torso reflex. The torso reflex (also known as the gasp reflex or inhalation response) is a physiological reaction – an involuntarily gasp – that happens when a person suddenly enters cold water. Cold shock can occur in as little as one minute; swimming failure can occur in as little as 10 minutes. Paddle close to shore when paddling in water which could induce hypothermia. Dress for the season. Remember: cotton provides no insulating properties at all.

BE VISIBLE TO OTHER BOATERS
Paddlers should take steps to ensure that boaters in larger vessels will be able to see them relatively easily, even in rough water, high traffic areas, and reduced visibility. That means wearing high visibility clothing and accessories whenever possible. I know we have a lot of duck hunters out there, and it is important to be camouflaged while hunting, but when you have made your limit and are paddling back in, a bright colored safety vest over your life jacket could make the difference in being seen by that powerboat.

FLOAT PLAN
Paddle craft operators should regularly file a float plan before using their vessels, even for short trips. It can be an informal document to tell a person on shore where the operator is planning to go, what time he or she is likely to return, which authorities to call if the boat does not return as scheduled, and how to describe the vessel to first-responders. The best float plan I have ever seen is included in the Coast Guard app that you can download to your cell phone.

FIRST TRIP AFTER WINTERIZATION
Many people have winterized their boats during this cold season. Before you go back out onto the water with any type of boat, check it closely for any damage that may have occurred during storage or winterization. Check your gas for signs of water or a foul smell. Gas that has gone bad has a rotten smell to it. Check your engine to make sure that dirt daubers or spiders haven’t built nests in your water lines or in the nozzles of your fire extinguishers. Check your batteries and connections for signs of corrosion. Crank that engine up with water flowing through the system (unless your engine is air cooled like mine is). Make sure the water flows into and out of the engine. If the water outlet is plugged, sometimes a paper clip will clear the line. If the engine shows signs of overheating, shut it down before damage occurs. Check your PFDs for dry rot. Make sure you have everything you need and it is in working order before venturing out onto the water. Make sure your flares aren’t expired. Take a shakedown cruise before you make that long trip out into the bay or gulf, and be sure to file a float plan.

For more information on boating safety, please visit the Official Website of the U.S. Coast Guard’s Boating Safety Division at www.uscgboating.org. Questions about the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or our free Vessel Safety Check program may be directed to me at [email protected]. I am available to perform free Vessel Safety Checks, and I will come to your location to perform them. SAFE BOATING!

[1-15-2018]

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